Page 32 of Condemned to Love

He rises slowly, his voice gentle but firm. "Aldric, sometimes we need more than just duty to drive us. You said it yourself - the humans have suffered at the hands of the dark elves. That gives them a reason to fight beyond mere survival."

I open my mouth to argue, but he continues, "Perhaps... you've found your own reason to fight."

His words hit me like a physical blow, and I take a step back. "I... that's not..."

Raziel places a hand on my shoulder, his expression softening. "It's okay to care, Aldric. It doesn't make you weak. In fact, it might make you stronger."

I shake my head, trying to deny the truth in his words. But deep down, I know he's right. Elowen has awakened something in me, a fire I thought long extinguished.

"Maybe," I admit grudgingly, "she has shown me a different perspective. But that doesn't change anything. The war is still our priority."

Raziel nods, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Of course. But remember, Aldric - sometimes the things we fight for are what give us the strength to keep fighting."

16

ELOWEN

Ican't take my eyes off Aldric as he demonstrates a new fighting technique. His muscles ripple under his skin, and I find myself mesmerized by the graceful power of his movements. When he catches me staring, I quickly avert my gaze, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

"You okay there, Red?" He smirks, using the nickname he's taken to calling me.

I nod, trying to regain my composure. "Just... admiring your form."

He raises an eyebrow. "My form, huh?"

I roll my eyes, but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "You know what I mean."

As we continue training, I notice Aldric's eyes lingering on me more often. There's a softness there that I haven't seen before, and it makes my heart skip a beat.

It's been two weeks since that sparring session, and we haven't talked about it. We've trained hard together, though, and somehow…we've actually become friends. Friends that talk to each other, which has been nice.

And somehow, it's only stoked the fire building between us.

During a water break, I gather the courage to ask him something that's been on my mind. "Aldric, what was it like growing up as a vrakken?" I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to be stuck beneath the ground for so long.

He pauses, his expression turning thoughtful. "It wasn't easy. Our society values strength above all else. And, of course, it was painful to be stuck in the tunnels for so long when I was meant to fly." His wings twitch in response. "My father..." He trails off, his jaw clenching.

I reach out, placing a hand on his arm. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

Aldric shakes his head. "No, it's okay. My father was a respected warrior. He pushed me hard, sometimes too hard. But it made me who I am today."

I notice the way his shoulders tense as he speaks. Without thinking, I step closer, my fingers tracing the intricate tattoo on his arm. "It must have been tough."

He nods, his silver eyes meeting mine. "It was. But it taught me the importance of duty, of protecting those who can't protect themselves."

"Is that why you're so dedicated to this fight against the dark elves?"

Aldric's expression darkens. "Partly. But it's more than that. I've seen what they're capable of, the destruction they leave in their wake. I can't let that happen to anyone else."

I feel a surge of admiration for him. "I understand. That's why I'm here too."

He looks at me, really looks at me, and I see a flicker of something in his eyes. Respect? Affection? I'm not sure, but it makes my breath catch.

"You're stronger than I gave you credit for, Red," he says softly.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "So are you, even for a vrakken," I tease.

After our training, I head to get something to eat. I grab my plate and head to a quiet corner of the dining area, expecting another solitary meal. To my surprise, Aldric appears, settling down across from me with his own food.

---