Page 63 of Condemned to Love

"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."