Page 38 of Condemned to Love

"Seriously though," Jessa says, her tone turning more serious. "Are you and Aldric... you know?"

I sigh, considering how to answer. "It's complicated. We're... something. I just don't know what yet."

Selene squeezes my hand. "Just be careful, okay? Vrakken hearts aren't easily won."

"Says the woman mated to one," I tease, but I appreciate her concern.

"Exactly," she replies with a soft smile. "I know what I'm talking about."

I spend the afternoon with the girls until the sun starts to set and I drag myself out. Selene tells me to rest, but I shrug her off, Jessa walking with me to go to the temple.

I make my way to the training grounds as dusk settles over the base. The familiar ache in my muscles is a constant companion now, but I push through it. As I approach, I notice Aldric's silver eyes scanning me, his brow furrowed.

"How are your injuries?" he asks, his voice gruff but tinged with something unfamiliar.

I shrug, confused by his sudden concern. "I'm fine. Let's get started."

But as we begin our usual routine, I realize something's off. Aldric's strikes lack their usual force, his movements almost hesitant. It takes me a moment to realize what's happening - he's going easy on me.

Did Selene's comments really bother him?

Anger flares in my chest. "What are you doing?" I snap, dodging a half-hearted punch.

"Training you," he growls, but there's no bite to it.

"No, you're not," I retort, frustration building. "You're treating me like I'm made of glass. I don't need your pity."

Without waiting for a response, I turn and stalk away, spotting Nikolai nearby. "Hey!" I call out. "Want to spar?"

Nikolai raises an eyebrow but nods. As we square off, I can feel Aldric's eyes burning into my back.

Nikolai doesn't hold back. His strikes are swift and merciless, pushing me to my limits. It's exactly what I need. Sweat pours down my face as I struggle to keep up, my bruised body protesting with every movement.

Just as Nikolai lands a particularly brutal hit, sending me stumbling, Aldric appears between us.

"That's enough," he snarls. "She's done for the night."

I push myself up, glaring at him. "I can speak for myself, thanks."

Without another word, I turn and stomp off towards my quarters. The sound of raised voices follows me, but I don't look back.

That night, as I lie in bed, my body aching and my pride stinging, I wait for Aldric's familiar presence. But he never comes.

I wake up feeling hollow, the absence of Aldric's warmth beside me more noticeable than ever. Pushing down the ache in my chest, I drag myself to the training grounds.

Nikolai's already there, and I make a beeline for him, pointedly ignoring Aldric's presence nearby.

"Ready for round two?" I ask, forcing a grin.

Nikolai raises an eyebrow but nods. We square off, and I throw myself into the fight with reckless abandon. Each blow I land feels like a victory, each hit I take a reminder that I'm strong enough to take it.

After, Selene appears at my side, her face creased with worry. "Library. Now," she says, leaving no room for argument.

Once we're alone, she starts examining my fresh bruises. "What's going on, El? You're fighting like you've got a death wish."

I wince as she prods a particularly tender spot. "It's nothing. Just pushing myself."

Selene gives me a look that says she's not buying it. "Spill."

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