Page 39 of Condemned to Love

Sighing, I tell her about yesterday - Aldric going easy on me, my anger, the fight with Nikolai. "He treated me like I was weak," I finish, frustration bubbling up again.

Selene listens quietly, her amber eyes thoughtful. When I'm done, she takes my hand. "No, he's being a stubborn vrakken," she huffs. "Did you ever think that maybe he wasn't doubting you, but trying to protect you?"

I blink, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Vrakken, especially warriors like Aldric, are fiercely protective of those they care about," she explains gently. "He saw you hurt and his instinct was to shield you from more pain. It doesn't mean he thinks you're weak."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. "But... why would he care that much?"

Selene smiles softly. "I think you know why. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

I spend the afternoon with Selene, turning her words over in my mind. As dusk approaches, I make my way to the training grounds, my heart racing with anticipation. I'm determined to talk to Aldric, to clear the air between us.

But as I arrive, Aldric's already there, his silver eyes scanning me intently. Before I can speak, he's circling me, assessing my stance and injuries with a critical eye.

"Hey there, handsome," I tease, trying to lighten the mood. "See something you like?"

Aldric says nothing, his face an unreadable mask. The silence stretches between us, heavy and uncomfortable.

Finally, he speaks. "You shouldn't train tonight. You need rest."

I bristle at his words. "I'm fine. I can handle it."

"No," he says firmly. "You're pushing yourself too hard. It ends now."

Anger flares in my chest. "You don't get to decide that for me," I snap. "I thought you of all people would understand why I need to do this."

Aldric's eyes narrow. "What I understand is that you're being reckless. You'll get yourself killed at this rate."

"At least I'm doing something!" I shout, frustration boiling over. "Unlike you, who's suddenly decided to treat me like I'ma worthless human!" I stomp over to the training area. "Come here. Let me prove to you I'm not."

I expect him to argue, but instead, he follows me. As we square off to spar, relief fills me. This is what I wanted. For things to go back to normal.

But they aren't. With every move I make, I notice Aldric's movements are hesitant, his strikes lacking their usual force. He's still trying to go easy on me.

Rage and disappointment surge through me. Without a word, I turn and storm away, leaving Aldric behind. Selene's words echo in my mind, but I push them aside. I expected more from him.

I'll show him what I'm worth. It's clearly much more than he thinks I am.

19

ALDRIC

Iwatch Elowen storm away, her fiery hair whipping behind her like a battle flag. Fuck. I screwed up again. My fists clench at my sides, wings rustling with agitation.

"Dammit," I mutter, running a hand through my shorn hair. It's growing back, just not as fast as I'd like. The memory of dark elves cutting it still burns, but not as much as Elowen's anger.

I want to protect her. Every instinct screams at me to shield her from harm. But she's not some fragile flower - she's proven that time and again. Her strength, her fire, it's what drew me to her in the first place.

Pacing the training grounds, I struggle to sort through the tangle of emotions. Pride in her progress wars with fear for her safety. Respect for her determination clashes with the urge to coddle her.

"Having trouble?" Raziel's voice cuts through my brooding.

I grunt, not breaking stride. "She's going to get herself killed if she keeps pushing like this." I already know that if Raziel is talking to me, he watched it all go down. To pretend otherwise is pointless.

Raziel falls into step beside me. "And you think holding her back will help?"

"I'm not-" I start to protest, but the words die in my throat. Shit. That's exactly what I've been doing.

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