Page 103 of Elemental Becoming

Lyra is already digging through a stack of colorful scarves folded along the wall, completely absorbed. I stay near Rian.

“Reminds you of home, eh?” I remark.

His smile softens. “That it does.”

“When’s the last time you were back?”

“My mother’s birthday,” he says. “Right before you werebrought to the outpost.” His gaze drifts over the shelves for a moment before returning to me. “I don’t get home much these days. With everything happening, my place is by Thane’s side.”

A twinge of sadness settles in me.

So much sacrifice. So much stolen time because of this looming war.

Something steadier takes root inside me. A sharp, unwavering need to end this—to destroy the Shadeheart and whatever darkness is spreading through the realm.

It catches me off guard, this sudden certainty.

I look up at Rian, having to tilt my head back slightly now that we’re standing shoulder to shoulder. Our eyes meet, and he smiles. The belief in his expression is unmistakable. It settles over me quietly, heavier than I expect.

For Rian. For Lyra. For every family losing pieces of their lives to this war—I will end it.

“What a blessed day! To have the Spiritborn inmyshop! The gods are smiling on me today!” A voice rings out.

Rian and I turn toward the sound, but I don’t see anyone at first. Then a tiny woman pops out from behind a shelf. At most, she barely reaches my shoulder.

Bright blue eyes peer at me through oversized spectacles. She scans me from head to toe before turning toward Rian—and immediately lighting up.

“Oh my! A fellow Water Clanner!” she exclaims. Her gaze travels down Rian’s broad frame. “And such a handsome man!”

She hurries toward us in quick little steps, reminding me of the tiny terriers that used to dart around the stables back home.

Long gray coils are clipped loosely at the back of her head, the rest tumbling down her back. Her hands flutter like hummingbirds as she talks. Her warm cocoa skin is lined softly with age, the creases around her eyes deepening when she smiles.

She wears dark blue trousers and a loose white blouse, as practical but soft seems to be the way of Water Clan fashion. A thin silver chain hangs against her chest, a small metallic seashell resting at its center.

“Forgive me! I’m so thrilled to have you here, I plum forgot to introduce myself.” Her tiny hands nearly disappear inside Rian’s when she grabs them. “I am Mirelle Vell.”

“It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, Ms. Vell,” Rian replies warmly.

The old woman giggles. Actually giggles.

“Oh, please call me Mirelle!”

Rian smiles brightly. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh you flirt!”

I stifle a laugh, pressing my lips together.

Then her attention shifts to me.

“And the Spiritborn,” she breathes. “My word. In all my days, I never believed I would have this honor.”

“It’s quite alright,” I say quickly. “Please call me Amara.”

Mirelle releases Rian’s hands and reaches for mine instead. Her hands feel impossibly small against my own.

Then our eyes meet.