27. Aldric

27

ALDRIC

I watch Elowen's lithe form as she moves through the stretches, her muscles flexing with each controlled motion. The early morning light filters through the trees, casting a soft glow on her skin. She's come so far in just a few weeks, her determination never wavering.

It was hard to keep her from diving into the sparring ring. We've been focusing on getting her body back to its best, but she's nearly there.

There's no more pain. Her side is stitched together and healed. And I've never seen her look so…happy. Like she's finally complete.

It makes my heart soar.

"Keep that core tight," I instruct, circling her as she holds a plank position. "You're starting to sag."

Elowen grunts, readjusting her stance. "Maybe if you weren't hovering like an oversized bird, I could concentrate."

I smirk, admiring the fire in her eyes. "Excuses, excuses. The enemy won't give you space to breathe."

She drops to her knees, chest heaving. "The enemy better watch out. I might just collapse on them."

"Up," I command, offering my hand. She takes it, and I pull her to her feet. "Time for some strength training."

We move to the weights, and I demonstrate proper form. Elowen mimics my form, her movements precise and controlled. Pride swells in my chest as I watch her progress.

She would never back down, I know that. But still. Sometimes it's hard to get up after battle. Elowen's dedication to healing her body has been admirable.

"Not bad for a human," I tease, adjusting her stance slightly.

She rolls her eyes. "Careful, Aldric. Your compliments are getting out of hand."

I chuckle, stepping back to observe. "Don't let it go to your head. You've still got a long way to go."

Elowen completes her set, a bead of sweat rolling down her temple. "And you'll be there every step of the way, I'm sure. Lucky me."

"Someone's got to keep you in line," I retort, but there's no bite to my words. I'm beyond grateful she's here, alive and thriving.

As we move through the exercises, I can't help but marvel at her resilience. She's pushing herself, but not recklessly. It's a delicate balance, one we've both had to learn.

"Hey, you arrogant ass," Elowen's voice cuts through my thoughts. "You're staring again."

I blink, realizing I've been lost in my own head. "Just making sure you don't slack off," I cover quickly.

She snorts, unconvinced. "Right. And I'm secretly a dark elf in disguise."

"If you were, I'd have to do this," I growl playfully, sweeping her into my arms.

Elowen laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. "Put me down!"

I set her on her feet, my hands lingering on her waist. "Ready for some sparring, Red?"

Her eyes light up with excitement. "Thought you'd never ask."

I watch Elowen closely as we spar, making sure not to push her too hard. Her movements are fluid, her strikes precise. She's regained most of her strength, but I'm still cautious.

"Getting slow in your old age?" she taunts, dodging my half-hearted jab.

I smirk. "Just giving you a fighting chance, Red."

After our light session, we hit the showers. The hot water soothes my muscles, but my mind races with anticipation. I've got plans for tonight.

I wait outside Elowen's room, leaning against the wall with my wings tucked in tight. When she emerges, her damp hair framing her face, my breath catches.

"What's got you so worked up?" she asks, eyeing me suspiciously.

I take her hand, feeling the emotions I'm trying to bury start to come free. "I want to take you somewhere special."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? And where might that be?"

"Underground," I say, watching her reaction carefully. "To see the Council."

Confusion flashes across her face. "The Council? Why?"

I take a deep breath. "Because I want to mate with you, officially. In the eyes of my people. And they have to grant permission for it." I raise my eyebrows. "As long as it's what you want."

She throws her arms around my neck, laughing. "Of course I do, you crazy ass!"

Relief and joy flood through me as I hold her close. "Then let's go make it official."

Leading her outside, I guide Elowen through the shimmering portal, my hand firmly clasped around hers as I think of the underground caverns. As we emerge on the other side, I feel her grip tighten. The underground tunnels stretch before us, dark and cramped compared to the open spaces above.

"It's... different down here," Elowen whispers, her eyes wide as she takes in our surroundings.

I nod, understanding her awe. "The magic feels more concentrated, more raw."

We move through the winding passages, the walls pulsing with an ethereal energy, the crystals glowing. Elowen's fingers trace the rough stone, her touch reverent.

"It's alive," she breathes. While the above ground bases may be in pulsating wildsponts as well, the magic intense, it's different in these tunnels. Even I feel it.

"In a way," I agree, leading her deeper into the heart of our domain.

As we approach the Council chambers, I feel a flutter of nervousness in my chest. It's ridiculous - I've faced countless battles without flinching. But this... this matters more than any fight.

The massive doors swing open, revealing the circular chamber beyond. At its center stands Brinda, the Matriarch, her fiery hair a stark contrast to her pale skin.

"Aldric," she greets, her eyes flickering to Elowen. "You've brought a guest."

I step forward, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Matriarch, I come before the Council to request permission to take Elowen as my mate."

A murmur ripples through the gathered Council members. Brinda's gaze sharpens, assessing Elowen with newfound interest.

"The human who fought alongside our warriors," she muses. I mask my shock at her having known, but it shouldn't surprise me. The Council must have scouts reporting back to them from every base. "Your bravery in battle has not gone unnoticed, Elowen."

Elowen stands tall beside me, her chin lifted in quiet defiance. "I fight for what I believe in, Matriarch."

A smile tugs at Brinda's lips. "Indeed." She turns to address the Council. "This human has proven her worth in combat and her loyalty to our cause. I see no need for further trials."

Relief washes over me as Brinda's words sink in. She turns back to us, her expression softening slightly, which is rare for our Matriarch.

"Aldric, Elowen - you have the Council's blessing to mate."

I stand at the center of the clearing with the altar behind me, dusk blending into night. It's been a week since I got the blessing from the Council to mate, and once Jessa and Selene found out, they started planning.

The base has been transformed, adorned with wildflowers and shimmering crystals. Our friends gather around, their faces beaming with joy.

Raziel approaches, his presence commanding respect. He nods to me, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Are you ready, Aldric?"

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "More than ever."

The crowd parts, and I catch my first glimpse of Elowen. My breath catches in my throat. She's radiant, her fiery hair adorned with delicate flowers. Jessa and Selene flank her, grinning proudly at their handiwork.

As Elowen reaches me, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From reluctant allies to this moment, standing before our community, ready to bind our lives together.

Raziel begins the ceremony, his voice resonating through the clearing. "We gather today to witness the union of Aldric and Elowen, a bond so rare and honored by Akeldama and the First that we will celebrate for days to come."

I grasp Elowen's hands in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin. Her green eyes sparkle with emotion, mirroring my own.

"Aldric," Raziel continues, "do you vow to stand by Elowen's side, in battle and in peace, to protect and cherish her for all your days?"

"I do," I respond, my voice firm and clear. It's not the usual way of the vrakken, but I wanted to include a little of the human customs for Elowen.

Raziel turns to Elowen. "And do you, Elowen, vow to stand by Aldric's side, to fight alongside him and support him through all challenges?"

Elowen's grip tightens on my hands. "I do," she says, her voice unwavering.

Raziel turns to me, telling me to vow to my mate and my people. Taking a deep breath, squeezing Elowen's hands, I start.

"I, Aldric, swear to respect you, safeguard you, and treasure you, in this existence and all subsequent ones. I promise my everlasting allegiance, trust, and dedication to you exclusively, my partner, my beloved, my very lifeblood. Wherever you tread, I'll be right behind. Whatever struggles you face, I'll assist in shouldering. Should you stumble, I'll be there to support and raise you up. I'll serve as your weapon and defense against any danger. My essence is eternally and irreversibly linked to yours for all time."

Elowen takes a deep breath before giving hers, tears shining in her eyes. I listen intently as Elowen speaks, my heart swelling with each word.

"I, Elowen, offer you my gentle soul, my unwavering loyalty, my entire being until the cosmos itself dims. In moments of elation and anguish, fervor and hardship, I will stand unwaveringly beside you. Your aspirations I will embrace, your ambitions I will bolster, your worries I will alleviate. As one, we will endure any tempest. You are my beacon even in the bleakest darkness. From this instant until time's end and beyond, I swear that my essence is forever bound to yours in adoration."

Turning from Elowen, I look out to our coven, the warriors I have trained and the friends I have made. My wings unfurl slightly as I address them. My voice carries across the clearing, firm and resolute.

"To my brothers and sisters of the night, I renew my vow of fealty. I pledge to honor the old ways, serve the will of our Elders, and defend this coven with my last breath if need be. My mate and I shall strive to bring further glory to our people."

I feel Elowen's hand tighten in mine, her strength flowing through our touch. She steps forward, her chin lifted high as she addresses the coven.

"To the coven that I'm now privileged to enter, I swear my allegiance and devotion. Your guidance shall be my compass. In battle, I'll stand ready. For my people, I will fight. Until my final breath, I commit to protecting and honoring the vrakken, Akeldama, and the First."

Pride swells in my chest as I listen to Elowen's words. She stands tall, her voice unwavering as she makes her vows to our people. The gathered vrakken nod in approval, accepting her as one of their own.

As Elowen and I finish our solemn pledges, I watch Raziel approach the sacred table and lift an elaborate knife of polished silver. The dancing flames of the candles cast an eerie glow, making the age-old symbols etched into its grip appear to twist and move of their own accord.

"Akeldama will now bless or reject your union," Raziel declares gravely. "Give him the gift of your blood and let him speak."

I offer my left palm above the altar's stone bowl. In one swift movement, I slice the knife over my flesh. The burning pain barely registers as I watch scarlet droplets form and fall, staining the pristine liquid beneath.

I watch intently as Elowen's gaze locks with mine, her resolve evident as Raziel presents the dagger. She inhales deeply, steeling herself. In one fluid, elegant motion, she draws the edge across her soft hand.

I watch with bated breath as Elowen's blood joins mine in the sacred basin. The crimson drops fall, creating delicate ripples across the water's surface. My heart races as I observe the blood, waiting for a sign.

To my amazement, our mingled blood doesn't sink. Instead, it swirls atop the water like tiny stars dancing in a midnight sky. The sight is mesmerizing, and excitement shoots through me.

Raziel's voice breaks through the hushed silence, filled with reverence and joy. "Akeldama has blessed these two!" His hand rests upon each of our shoulders, a gesture of acceptance and unity. "Aldric and Elowen, you are now mated before Akeldama, the First, and this coven"

Relief and elation wash over me. I turn to Elowen, my mate, my love, my very heartbeat. Her eyes shine with unshed tears of happiness, mirroring my own emotions. Without hesitation, I pull her into my arms, our bodies fitting together perfectly.

I pull Elowen close, my wings instinctively wrapping around her. "My mate," I whisper, the words sending a thrill through me.

She grins up at me, her eyes shining. "My arrogant ass of a mate," she teases, before pulling me down for a kiss.

Our lips meet in a searing kiss, sealing our bond. As we embrace, our palms press together where our blood still mingles, forever entwining our fates. The cheers of our friends and fellow vrakken fade into the background as I lose myself in this moment with Elowen.

When we finally part, I rest my forehead against hers, overwhelmed by the depth of my feelings for this remarkable woman. "Now it's time for the best part."

Her eyebrows rise, and a soft yelp escapes her as I sweep her into my arms. I chuckle as I carry her off to finish the mating bond.