Page 132 of Elemental Becoming

“They want a perfect ruler,” he continues. “But they’re the ones creating division among us.”

I squeeze his hand, but the knot in my chest doesn’t ease.

The Earth Clan pulling back. The Water Court is stirring. Fear is spreading like cracks through stone.

They’re not just afraid of unrest anymore. They’re afraid of what’s coming.

A war against the Shadow Forces.

But fear changes nothing now. The war is coming whether the realm is ready for it or not.

Thane exhales heavily as we reach an empty table near the edge of the ballroom, the exhaustion in the sound no longer hidden.

A server passes carrying a silver tray of drinks. Thane summons a small, effortless smile—the kind that would fool anyone not looking closely—and plucks a glass of whiskey from the tray. Without hesitation, he takes a goblet of wine for me as well, his fingers brushing mine briefly as he passes it over.

He lifts the amber liquid to his mouth and downs half of the glass in a single swallow before setting it down.

“Are you alright?” he asks quietly, concern tightening his voice. He searches my face, tension still visible across his face.

“Thane, I’m fine. Really.”

“I can’t believe Lord Manon actually said that bullshit.” Irritation sharpens his expression again. “Asking for a demonstration like you’re some—”

He cuts himself off, jaw tightening hard enough that the muscle ticks beneath his skin.

“That bastard,” he mutters darkly. “Always looking for opportunities to advance himself by belittling others. Doesn’t care who he cuts down with his words to do it.”

His fingers press against the table, like he’s resisting the urge to shatter the whiskey glass sitting there.

But I don’t care about Lord Manon.

I care about what the nobles were implying.

I place my hand over his. His fingers stiffen beneath mine, then relax. The bond thrums quietly between us, taut with unspoken words.

“Thane,” I say softly, meeting his eyes. “Is it true? Is the Earth Clan really pulling back? Choosing not to fight?”

My voice falters for just a moment.

“My clan?”

“That’s what the reports suggest,” Thane says quietly. “I met with the council yesterday. We discussed it.”

The exhaustion in his voice catches me off guard.

“I plan to meet with Lord Calder Morric soon. We’re negotiating terms for a summit with the Earth Clan leadership.” He pauses briefly, his gaze drifting away. “I’m also arranging a meeting with Lady Aeris Duvane of the Water Clan.”

His brows draw together.

“We’re trying to keep the alliances from fracturing any further.”

“What about the Air Clan?” I ask.

The words slip out before I can stop them, driven by the unease in me tightening further.

Thane exhales through his nose, a short, tired sound.

“For now,” he says, “relations with them seem stable.”