Page 109 of Elemental Becoming

Because life cannot become only strategy and battles and survival.

“We need moments like this, too,” Rian had said quietly as we left the shop. “Otherwise, what exactly are we fighting for?”

I shift uncomfortably, suddenly too aware of the fitted dress wrapped around me. Thank the gods Lyra is too enchanted bythe spectacle to notice.

The scent of jasmine and roses drifts through the air from the lavish floral arrangements spilling across every surface.

Lyra nudges me with her elbow.

“There he is,” she whispers, a knowing lilt to her voice.

I smile, struggling to calm the sudden rush of nerves in my chest as my gaze finds Thane’s across the room.

Like a lodestar, he pulls me in without effort—a point of certainty in a sea of strangers and glittering masks. The noise, the grandeur, the weight of all the unknowns, all these things press in around me, thick and stifling.

But the moment I find him, the ground steadies beneath my feet.

He sees me.

And for a heartbeat, that’s all I need.

Gods, he’s beautiful.

He strides toward us like he owns the room (well, technically, he does).

His black tunic, threaded with intricate silver embroidery, fits him perfectly, emphasizing the broad strength of his shoulders and the quiet authority he carries so effortlessly. A silver arm cuff circles his wrist, marking his status, while a dark cloak drapes over his shoulders, clasped at the collar with the Caelum crest—twin flames winding around a sword. The dark fabric shifts behind him with every stride.

Everything about him feels unfairly perfect.

“Amara,” he says, eyes sweeping over me, lingering on the way my ruby-red dress hugs my curves.

His voice drops, rich and smooth.

“You look . . . incredible.”

I swallow hard, suddenly too aware of my own heartbeat. It takes everything in me not to fidget under his gaze.

Lyra had snatched it from the dressmaker’s collection with atriumphant, “this one!” before I could object.

Elira made sure it was appropriate. Not just for the ball.

For the role.

Someone who will be watched and measured the entire night—not only as the Spiritborn, but as the woman standing at Thane’s side. A symbol. A statement. A threat, to some.

At the time, it felt like too much—too bold, too bare.

But now, under the golden spill of chandelier light, I can’t deny the way it drapes across my skin, the way it makes me stand a little taller.

Like Icouldbelong here.

Like I already do.

The deep crimson silk drapes like liquid fire over my body, clinging to my curves before flaring subtly at the hem. Gold embroidery traces the bodice and skirts in patterns reminiscent of dancing flames. The neckline plunges just enough to be dangerous, balanced by the sheer, off-the-shoulder sleeves draping elegantly along my arms, tiny ruby beads catching the light with every movement.

But it’s the back that makes the boldest statement.

The fabric dips low, baring the length of my spine—and the elemental sigils etched into my skin. Four intricate tattoos mark me as a wielder, stacked in a perfect line down my back: Fire, Air, Water, Earth.