Page 31 of Condemned to Love

At one point, she manages to land a solid hit to my solar plexus. It catches me off guard, and I stumble back a step. A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth.

"Not bad," I admit, rubbing my chest. "You're getting stronger."

Elowen's face lights up at the praise, and I feel an unexpected warmth in my chest. Pride, I realize. I'm proud of how far she's come.

"Again," I say, falling back into my fighting stance. But this time, there's a new energy between us. It's not just about training anymore. It's about pushing each other, seeing how far we can go.

As we spar, I find myself marveling at her progress. Her movements are more fluid now, her strikes more precise. She's learning to read my body language, anticipating my attacks.

When we finally call it quits, we're both breathing hard. Sweat glistens on Elowen's skin, and I have to force myself to look away.

"You did well today," I tell her, surprised by the gentleness in my own voice.

Elowen beams at me, her face flushed with exertion and pride. "Thanks to you," she says. "You're a good teacher."

I feel a surge of... something. Satisfaction? Affection? I'm not sure, but it's unsettling and exhilarating all at once.

"Keep it up," I manage to say, "and you might just survive this war."

As I watch her walk away, I can't help but feel a swell of pride. She's come so far, and I know she'll only get stronger. And despite myself, I'm looking forward to seeing just how far she can go.

I force myself to turn away from Elowen's retreating form, my wings twitching with the effort it takes not to follow her. Instead, I head inside the base, seeking out Raziel. I find him in the back library, poring over ancient maps and battle strategies.

"Raziel," I greet him, my voice gruff.

He looks up, a knowing glint in his dark eyes. "Aldric. Come to discuss strategy?"

I nod, taking a seat across from him. "I've been thinking about our approach to the upcoming war."

Raziel leans back, folding his hands. "Go on."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I believe we should consider training more humans alongside the vrakken. They've shown... potential."

Raziel's eyebrow quirks up, but he remains silent, waiting for me to continue. I'm sure my words come as a shock given that I was less than enthused when Elowen volunteered, but she has been teaching me quite the lesson.

"They're adaptable," I explain, thinking of Elowen's progress. "And they bring a different perspective to combat. The dark elves won't expect it."

"An interesting proposition," Raziel muses. "And what brought about this change of heart?"

I shift uncomfortably, avoiding his piercing gaze. "I've seen their determination firsthand. Their drive to survive, to fight back. It could be a valuable asset."

I try to keep my voice neutral. "And they have suffered at the dark elves' hands. That brings a level of determination that many vrakken lack."

Raziel nods slowly, a small smile playing at his lips. "I see. And this wouldn't have anything to do with a certain redheaded recruit, would it?"

I feel heat rising to my face, but I force myself to maintain composure. "This is about strategy, nothing more."

Raziel chuckles, leaning forward. "Aldric, my friend, the war doesn't have to be the only thing on your mind. It's okay to find joy, even in these dark times."

I open my mouth to protest, but Raziel holds up a hand. "I've seen the way you look at her. Don't deny yourself happiness out of some misguided sense of duty."

His words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me momentarily speechless.

I clench my jaw, struggling to maintain my composure. "Raziel, you're misunderstanding. My focus is on the war, on our people. Elowen is... she's just someone to train. That's all."

Raziel leans back, his dark eyes studying me intently. "Is that so?"

I stand abruptly, my wings flaring out behind me. "What are you getting at, Raziel?"

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