Crown of Shadows

Chapter 13-Aelin

⚠️Spice warning guyss⚠️

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As the months passed, I found myself growing stronger, both physically and mentally. I trained relentlessly with Kodlak, pushing myself to new limits and surpassing even the most powerful assassins in our ranks. Despite Lyra's continued bitchy attitude towards me, I ignored her. Even when she whispered to her group that she views me as weak. It must be because I was around Kodlak now.

One afternoon, Kodlak and I found ourselves walking outside the fortress walls, the crisp air invigorating after hours of training. I glanced at him, noting the thoughtful expression on his face.

"Is everything alright, Kodlak?" I asked, a hint of concern in my voice.

He stopped walking and turned to face me, his gaze intense. "Aelin, there's something I need to tell you."

I furrowed my brow, curious and apprehensive all at once. "What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, he began, "I... I have feelings for you, Aelin. More than just friendship. I've tried to ignore them, but they've only grown stronger with time."

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, I was stunned into silence. Then, a rush of conflicting emotions flooded through me. I had grown fond of Kodlak, admired his strength and loyalty, but I never dared to imagine that he felt the same way about me.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, my heart pounding in my chest.

Kodlak stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "You don't have to say anything, Aelin. I just needed you to know how I feel."

But before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, pulling me into his arms. His lips met mine in a tender, yet passionate kiss, sending a surge of warmth through me.

For a moment, we simply stood there, lost in each other's gaze, before reality intruded once more.

"I... I didn't expect this," I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kodlak smiled, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Neither did I, but I couldn't keep it to myself any longer. Aelin, you mean more to me than I can put into words. I love you with all my heart."

His sincerity touched me deeply, and I reached out to take his hand, squeezing it gently. "Kodlak, I... I feel the same way. I just never thought..."

Before I could finish, he interrupted with a tender smile. "You don't have to explain, Aelin. I understand."

As we stood there, hand in hand, I realized that my bond with Kodlak was stronger than anything I had ever known. And as we made our way back to Assassins Keep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this.

As the evening unfolded, Kodlak and I found ourselves standing together outside the bustling dining hall, bathed in the soft glow of torchlight that illuminated the courtyard.

We stood in silence, each lost in our own thoughts.

In the distance, the faint murmur of voices and the clinking of silverware drifted from the hall. Yet in this moment, it was just the two of us, lost in our own private world.

Kodlak turned to me, his gaze soft yet searching, as if seeking reassurance in the depths of my eyes. "Thank you for listening earlier," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know it wasn't easy for either of us."

I nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. "It meant a lot to me," I replied, the sincerity of my words echoing in the quiet night air. "And... I want you to know that I feel the same way."