Page 21 of Her Immortal Love

"I said, STAND DOWN!" I roar, letting my magic flare visibly.

They falter, some backing away. But a few press forward, driven mad by the scent of her blood.

I fight my way through, one arm holding Alina, the other lashing out at anyone who gets too close. My own hunger gnaws at me, Alina's scent intoxicating. But I push it down, focusing on getting her to safety.

Finally, we burst into the medical tent. Healers rush forward, taking Alina from my arms. I stagger, the adrenaline fading.

"Save her," I order, then collapse to my knees, exhausted but vigilant.

It doesn't take long for the battle to wind down after that, vrakken limping in. I want to be by Alina's side, but instead, I stand before Nyx and Raziel, my body still caked in mud and blood from the battle. The adrenaline has long since faded, leaving me bone-weary. But I force myself to stand tall, meeting their gazes unflinchingly.

"What the fuck were you thinking, Alexei?" Nyx's voice is cold, her black eyes swirling with silver as she glares at me.

I clench my jaw. "I was saving a valuable asset."

Raziel scoffs, his dark wings rustling. "An asset? You abandoned your post for a human."

"A human with immense magical power," I counter. "One who's been helping our wounded and fighting alongside us."

"She's still just a human," Nyx says, her voice dangerously soft. "And you're a vrakken commander. You had a duty."

The words sting, but I don't let it show. "My duty is to ensure our victory. Alina's magic has been crucial in turning the tide of battle. Losing her would have been a significant blow."

"And the soldiers under your command?" Raziel asks, his eyes narrowing. "What of your duty to them?"

Guilt gnaws at me, but I push it down. "I made a tactical decision. Brinda took over my position. We didn't lose ground."

"But we didn't gain any either," Nyx snaps. "This battle ended in a stalemate, Alexei. Do you understand what that means? We're running out of time and resources. We can't afford draws."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I stand by my decision. Alina is an asset worth protecting, both for her magic and for the morale of the other humans. Losing her would have been devastating."

Nyx and Raziel exchange a look. There's something in their eyes I can't quite read.

"You're getting too close to her, Alexei," Raziel says finally. "It's clouding your judgment."

I open my mouth to protest, but Nyx cuts me off. "We've seen how you look at her. How you protect her. This isn't just about strategy anymore, is it?"

My heart pounds. I want to deny it, but the words stick in my throat. Because they're right. Alina has become more than just an asset to me. The thought of losing her...

"My feelings don't change the fact that she's valuable to our cause," I say carefully.

Nyx sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alexei, you're one of our best. We can't have you compromised by a human girl."

"I'm not compromised," I insist, even as doubt gnaws at me. "I'm still committed to our people, to our cause."

Nyx studies me for a long moment, then nods. "You're dismissed, Alexei. Get some rest. We'll need you at your best for the next battle."

I bow stiffly and turn to leave, my mind racing. But before I can make it too far, Nyx's voice calls out. "And Alexei? Remember what you are. What she is. Don't let yourself forget the difference."

I don't turn back, just nod once and walk away from them. My feet carry me towards the medical area before I can stop myself. I need to see Alina, to make sure she's okay.

I don't know what I'll do if she's not.

13

ALEXEI

Ipace outside the medical area, my hands clenched into fists. The healers won't let me in, saying Alina needs rest. But I can sense her pain, feel it thrumming through our connection.