Page 115 of Elemental Becoming

Thane guides me through a set of open glass doors leading onto a grand balcony. Cool night air brushes against my skin, carrying the scent of jasmine and lantern smoke.

But he doesn’t stop.

He turns right, moving with purpose, drawing me along behind him. We round the corner, and there—hidden in the stone—is a small alcove, tucked safely away from prying eyes.

The moment we step inside, he pulls me against him. His back hits the wall, his hands settling firmly at my waist.

Every coherent thought scatters.

Then, his voice softens.

“How could I not fall for you?” A rough laugh slips from him. “You’re so godsdamn insufferable.”

His lips curve into that one-sided smile—the one that levels me every time.

“You’re beautiful and strong.” His gaze searches mine. “And you’re in my thoughts. My dreams. My heart.”

My eyes prick with trapped tears.

“I wanted to tell you for so long, but I didn’t think there was room for us—not with everything happening.” His thumb skims my cheek, his expression raw, unguarded. “For my whole life, defeating the Shadeheart has been the mission. Then youshowed up, and suddenly . . . I started wanting more than war.”

His voice drops.

“My entire life, I was taught to keep my secrets close. To trust no one outside of the family. To carry what I must, alone.”

I swallow hard.

Because this isn’t flirting. This isn’t charm.

This is his truth.

“I was told that my purpose was clear. That duty comes before anything—before feelings, before choices.”

His thumb brushes over my knuckles, his grip tightening slightly, as though he’s anchoring himself in me.

“And for a long time, I believed that.” His gaze drifts briefly, distant for a moment. “I saw the way my father looked at my mother—like she was his whole world, like nothing else existed.”

Pain flickers across his face; a shadow of loss.

“And then I saw what was left of him when she was gone.”

The words settle heavily between us.

He exhales sharply.

“I convinced myself that if I let someone in, it would cost them. That by loving me, they would suffer. That something in me would ruin anyone who got too close.”

His jaw clenches, his breath faltering.

“So I made myself believe that I was better off alone.”

Silence stretches between us for a moment.

Then his mouth curves into the faintest smile. “But then you crashed into my life.”

A soft laugh escapes him, rough around the edges, like even now he can barely believe it himself.

I can’t help but smile.