Page 26 of Condemned to Love

Regardless of what's going on between Aldric and me, I’m not about to let anything distract me from my revenge.

Not even myself.

With each strike and parry against Jessa's skilled attacks, I focus on proving one thing: I will destroy the dark elves.

If it's the last thing I do.

But maybe — justmaybe —Aldric doesn't have to be a distraction. Maybe if he wants this as much as I do…we can get it out of our system.

So we can focus on the war.

13

ALDRIC

The dim glow of the torches casts flickering shadows across the training grounds, illuminating the dust swirling in the air. I face Elowen, her fiery red hair whipping about as she circles me like a predator. She moves with a grace that belies her compact frame, and I can’t help but admire her focus.

“Come on, Aldric! Show me what you’ve got!”

Her voice crackles with energy. She lunges at me, swift and fierce. I block her strike, feeling the force of her blow reverberate through my arm. I can’t deny it; she’s improved remarkably.

“Is that all?” I challenge, my tone clipped as I push back against her relentless assault.

She grins—a wild, defiant smile—and shifts into a low crouch, feinting to my left before twisting into a spinning kick aimed at my side. I barely sidestep in time, feeling the wind of her foot rush past me.

“You’ll have to do better than that,” I say, stepping forward to close the distance between us. My heart pounds as our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world outside fades.

She sweeps low again, this time aiming for my legs. I jump over her outstretched arm and land behind her.

“You think you can outmaneuver me?” I tease.

Elowen spins around quickly and lands a glancing blow to my shoulder that sends a jolt through me.

“Maybe you should stop underestimating me.”

Her fierce determination fuels something primal within me. We clash again, exchanging blows in quick succession. Each strike grows more intense; our breaths mingle in the space between us—heavy and charged with unspoken words.

I find myself slipping into a rhythm with her moves, almost dancing amidst the chaos of combat. She surprises me with an elbow aimed at my ribs; I twist away just enough to avoid it but feel her breath against my cheek as she brushes past.

Damn it! The air crackles with tension; every clash of our bodies sends sparks flying through the night sky above us. There’s no denying it now—the way she pushes against me ignites something raw inside me.

Elowen steps back for just a heartbeat; we’re both panting heavily now, adrenaline coursing through our veins like wildfire.

“You’re not tired yet?” she breathes, eyes bright with challenge.

“Not even close,” I reply, more gruff than intended as my body hums from exertion and desire alike.

The air thickens between us as we circle each other once more—the weight of what hangs unsaid pulling tighter around us like an unbreakable chain ready to snap.

Lunging forward, I press Elowen against the rough stone wall, the cool surface biting into her back. My hands grip her shoulders, holding her steady as I stare down into those fierce green eyes that flicker with defiance.

“Let your guard down for once,” I demand, my voice low and urgent.

Her breath hitches slightly, but she doesn't back down. Instead, she fights against my hold, twisting and squirming.There’s fire in her spirit, a relentless spark that pulls at something deep within me.

“Not a chance!” she retorts, her voice sharp as steel.

I tighten my grip, frustration boiling inside me. “You think this is a game? You can’t keep pushing yourself like this without?—”

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