Page 23 of Condemned to Love

"Well," I begin, trying to articulate what I've been grappling with internally, "their adaptability could be an asset. They bring a fresh perspective to our strategies."

"And?" Raziel prompts.

"And they challenge us," I say finally. "They push us to reconsider our own limitations."

A small smile tugs at Raziel's lips. "You've been sparring with humans."

I nod, unable to hide the respect I've developed for Elowen. "She's — they're — relentless. It's... refreshing."

Raziel's smile widens slightly. "Yes, humans have spirit." But the way he says it seems like he knows I'm talking about one in particular. There's more to his expression than he is letting on.

I glance away, the image of her fierce determination still vivid in my mind. "I suppose you're right." With that, I push back from the table and stand, nodding at Raziel. "I'll see you around."

He gives me a knowing look but says nothing as I leave the library. The sun is up now, the air thick and hot as it hits me when I step outside, and I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head.

That's when I spot her.

Elowen is in the training yard still, guiding another human through a series of drills. Her movements are fluid, precise. Every muscle in her body seems to move with purpose. She’s wearing a fitted tunic and pants that cling to her form, and I can't help but admire the way her body shifts with each motion.

Her voice carries over the yard, calm and steady as she instructs the other human. There's a fire in her eyes, a fierce determination that draws me in. She demonstrates a move, then steps back, watching intently as her trainee mimics her actions.

I lean against the wall, arms crossed, watching her work. Each time she moves, my gaze follows the line of her muscles, the way her hair catches the light even in the dimness of our underground home.

Her focus is unwavering. There's no hesitation in her actions, no doubt. It's a quality I can't help but respect.

As she finishes a sequence and steps back to observe, I catch sight of her face—determined, fierce, and utterly captivating. For a moment, I'm lost in the sight of her.

It's not just her physical prowess that impresses me. It's her spirit. Her courage. Despite everything she's been through, she stands tall and strong, unyielding in the face of adversity.

And damn if that isn't alluring.

I watch as she corrects the trainee's stance with a gentle touch, her fingers brushing lightly against their arm. There's something almost tender in the way she teaches, an unexpected softness beneath her fierce exterior.

Elowen catches my eye across the yard and gives me a small nod before returning to her trainee. My chest tightens with an unfamiliar sensation — pride? Admiration? Whatever it is, it feels like it’s lodged deep inside me now.

It's become clear that I severely underestimated her. She's courageous, determined — a warrior in her own right.

And every day it's getting harder and harder to resist her.

12

ELOWEN

My muscles are straining against the relentless assault of another early morning training. Aldric moves with a precision and power that leaves little room for error. Each blow he delivers tests my limits, but I refuse to back down.

I catch a glint of approval in his silver eyes as I deflect his strike. "You’re getting faster," he notes, stepping back to reassess his stance.

"Thanks," I reply, breathing hard but keeping my focus sharp. "You’re not making it easy."

He smirks, the first hint of genuine amusement I've seen from him. "Easy doesn’t teach you anything."

We circle each other, and I take a moment to study him beyond the surface. There’s a dedication in his movements, a depth of character that goes beyond the fierce warrior everyone sees. The way he fights, the way he trains—it’s not just about skill. It’s about something deeper, something that drives him forward.

"You’re distracted," Aldric warns, lunging forward with a swift jab.

I parry and counterattack, pushing him back. "I'm not," I say between breaths.

"You're better than that." He knocks me off balance. "Come on. Show me what you really have."

---