15. Aldric

15

ALDRIC

I stretch my wings, feeling the tension in my muscles as I face off against Nikolai in the dim light of early morning. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of dew and earth.

My mind should be focused on our sparring match, but instead, it drifts to Elowen. Her fiery hair, those piercing green eyes, the taste of her on my tongue… I can't shake the need I have for more, to truly taste her and pierce her flesh...

"You're distracted," Nikolai's voice cuts through my thoughts. His fist connects with my jaw, snapping me back to reality.

I growl, shaking off the blow. "Just warming up."

Nikolai's amber eyes narrow. "That's taura shit. Your head's not in the game, Aldric. What's going on?"

I dodge his next strike, countering with a swift kick. "Nothing. Focus on the fight."

But Nikolai doesn't let up. He presses forward, his wings flaring out as he corners me. "It's Elowen, isn't it?"

My hesitation costs me. Nikolai's wing sweeps my legs out from under me, and I hit the ground hard.

"Fuck," I spit, rolling to my feet.

Nikolai stands down, his expression softening. "I've been where you are, you know. With Jessa."

I clench my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. "It's not the same. She's human."

"So was Jessa, once," Nikolai tells me. "Look, I get it. It's complicated. But a mate... that's worth everything, Aldric."

His words hit me harder than any physical blow. "I can't stop thinking about her," I admit, the confession tearing from my throat. "Her scent, her taste... it's driving me crazy."

Nikolai nods, understanding in his eyes. "That's how it starts. But it becomes so much more. Jessa... she completes me in ways I never knew I needed."

I run a hand through my shorn hair, frustration and longing warring within me. "I'm not sure it's such a good idea…"

Before Nikolai can respond, the sound of approaching footsteps catches both of our attention. My eyes narrow as I spot Elowen walking towards us, deep in conversation with one of the younger vrakken recruits. Something inside me snaps at the sight.

Before I can think better of it, I'm storming towards them, my wings flaring out behind me. "Elowen," I bark, my voice harsher than intended. "We're training one-on-one today."

I jerk my head at the fledgling, not bothering to hide my disdain. "You. Go spar with Nikolai."

The young vrakken's eyes widen, clearly intimidated. Good. He scurries off without a word, leaving Elowen and me alone.

She whirls on me, her green eyes flashing with fury. "What's your problem? You can't just?—"

But her anger only serves to fuel the fire burning inside me. My gaze rakes over her, taking in the flush of her cheeks, the heaving of her chest. Gods, she's beautiful when she's pissed off.

"I can, and I did," I growl, stepping closer. "You're here to train, not socialize."

Elowen's nostrils flare, and I can smell the spike of adrenaline coursing through her. "I wasn't socializing," she snaps. "We were discussing techniques."

I lean in, my voice dropping to a low rumble. "Then show me what you've learned."

Her eyes narrow, a challenge sparking in their depths. It takes every ounce of self-control not to pin her against the nearest wall and claim her lips right then and there.

Instead, I force myself to step back, falling into a fighting stance. "Come on, little human. Let's see what you've got."

I circle Elowen, watching her every move. Her stance is solid, her eyes alert. She's come a long way since our first sparring match.

"Remember," I growl, "Dark elves won't hesitate. They'll exploit any weakness."

Elowen nods, her jaw set with determination. I lunge forward, testing her reflexes. She sidesteps, narrowly avoiding my grasp.

"Good," I grunt. "But not good enough."

I feint left, then sweep her legs out from under her. She hits the ground hard but rolls quickly, springing back to her feet.

"Faster," I command. "You need to anticipate, not just react."

Her green eyes flash with frustration, but there's a fire there that refuses to be extinguished. It stirs something in me, a mix of admiration and... something else I can't quite name.

We continue like this, trading blows and counters. With each exchange, I push her harder, forcing her to dig deeper. And to my surprise, she rises to meet every challenge.

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?"

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."