29. Aldric

29

ALDRIC

I stand beside Elowen, my mate, as we face the gathered crowd. The base's common area buzzes with energy, laughter, and music. Raziel raises a glass, his wings spread wide in celebration.

"To Aldric and Elowen! May their union bring strength to us all!"

The crowd echoes his toast, their voices a thunderous roar. I squeeze Elowen's hand, still marveling at how perfectly it fits in mine. Her green eyes sparkle as she beams up at me, her fiery hair cascading over her shoulders.

Selene approaches, pulling Elowen into a tight embrace. "I'm so happy for you both," she says, her voice thick with emotion.

Jessa sidles up, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Aldric, ready to be whipped by our little spitfire?"

I growl playfully. "Watch it, Jessa. I'm still your commanding officer."

She snorts, unimpressed. "Sure, but we all know who's really in charge now."

Elowen laughs, the sound music to my ears. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he stays in line."

I pull her close, nuzzling her neck. "Is that so?"

She shivers against me, and I fight the urge to whisk her away from the celebration. We have duties to attend to first.

Nikolai claps me on the back, nearly knocking me off balance. "Congratulations, my friend. You've found a worthy partner."

I nod, pride swelling in my chest. "That I have."

Music starts up, distracting us, and I look up to see that the celebration has started. And it seems the entire base has come out to join.

I can't remember the last time I saw the vrakken so...alive. The normally stoic faces of my people are alight with joy, their laughter echoing through the cavern. The air thrums with energy, a stark contrast to the usual somber atmosphere of our underground home.

Elowen tugs on my hand, pulling me towards the makeshift dance floor. "Come on, you big brute. Show me what you've got."

I quirk an eyebrow at her. "Are you sure you can keep up?"

Her eyes flash with challenge. "Try me."

We move together, our bodies finding a natural rhythm. Elowen's grace surprises me - she's as fluid on the dance floor as she is in combat. Her hips sway to the beat, and I find myself mesmerized by her movements.

"You're staring," she teases.

"Can you blame me?" I pull her closer, relishing the feel of her body against mine.

We dance for what feels like hours, lost in our own world. The music shifts from fast-paced to slow, intimate melodies. Elowen rests her head on my chest, and I breathe in her scent.

"I never thought I'd see you like this," she murmurs.

"Like what?"

She looks up at me, her eyes twinkling. "Happy. Relaxed. You're actually smiling, you know."

I chuckle, realizing she's right. My cheeks almost hurt from the unfamiliar expression. "I suppose I have you to thank for that."

As we continue to sway, I catch glimpses of our friends. Raziel and Selene are locked in an intimate embrace, while Nikolai twirls Jessa around, both of them laughing. The sight warms my heart. For the first time in centuries, I feel hope for our future.

I savor every moment with Elowen, drinking in her radiant smile and the way her eyes light up as we dance. The weight of the coming war still presses on my mind, but for now, I push it aside. I know I can't keep her from fighting - her spirit is too fierce, too determined. But in this moment, I vow to protect her with everything I have.

"What's going on in that brooding head of yours?" Elowen teases, poking my chest.

I smirk. "Just thinking about how lucky I am."

She rolls her eyes. "Careful, your ego might not fit through the door."

"Good thing we're underground then," I quip back.

Elowen laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. She grabs my hand, pulling me towards where Jessa and Nikolai are engaged in some sort of drinking game.

"Come on, let's show these two how it's done," she challenges.

I raise an eyebrow. "You sure about that? Vrakken have a pretty high tolerance."

She grins wickedly. "Try me."

The next hour passes in a blur of laughter and friendly competition. Elowen surprises us all with her ability to hold her liquor, matching us drink for drink. Raziel has spirited blood for all of us, but Elowen is taking in the enhanced liquor faster than even me. Even Nikolai looks impressed.

"Where'd you learn to drink like that?" Jessa asks, her words slightly slurred.

Elowen winks. "A girl's gotta have some secrets."

I pull her close, nuzzling her neck. "Care to share any of those secrets with your mate?"

She shivers against me. "Maybe later, if you're good."

The night continues, filled with more dancing, games, and conversation. I find myself relaxing more than I have in centuries, surrounded by friends and the woman I love. For once, I allow myself to simply be in the moment, cherishing every second of joy and laughter.

As the night winds down, I find myself swaying with Elowen in my arms. The crowd has thinned, leaving just a handful of revelers. Jessa and Nikolai approach us, their eyes bright with happiness and a touch of alcohol.

"Congratulations again, you two," Jessa says, pulling Elowen into a tight hug.

Nikolai claps me on the shoulder. "Take care of each other," he says, his voice gruff with emotion.

I nod, watching as they make their way out of the cavern. Selene and Raziel are the last to leave, offering their own well-wishes.

"May your bond bring you strength and joy," Raziel says, his wings spread in blessing.

As they depart, I'm struck by how lucky I am. Elowen looks up at me, her green eyes shining with love and trust. I can hardly believe this fierce, beautiful woman is now my mate.

An idea strikes me. "I want to show you something special," I murmur, pulling her close.

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"

Instead of answering, I scoop her into my arms. She lets out a surprised yelp, clinging to me tightly.

"Hold on," I warn, a grin spreading across my face.

With a powerful beat of my wings, I launch us into the air. Elowen's arms tighten around my neck as we soar upward, dodging the trees. Her warmth against my chest is intoxicating, her trust in me absolute.

We climb higher, the forest spreading out beneath us like a dark carpet. The sky begins to lighten, streaks of pink and orange painting the horizon. I angle us towards a tall pine, landing gracefully on a sturdy branch near the top.

Elowen's breath catches as the sun crests the distant mountains, bathing everything in a golden glow. The world comes alive with color - emerald forests, sapphire lakes, and the glittering dew on leaves below us.

"Oh, Aldric," she whispers, awe evident in her voice. "It's so beautiful."

I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Not as beautiful as you."

She elbows me playfully. "Smooth talker."

We watch in comfortable silence as the sun climbs higher, warming our skin. Elowen leans back against me, completely at ease despite our precarious perch.

"I love this," she says softly. "I could do this every morning."

My heart swells at her words. I press a gentle kiss to her neck, savoring her shiver of pleasure.

"Then I'll fly you up here every morning," I whisper against her skin.