Page 147 of Elemental Becoming

“But I never wanted someone who knows how to play the game.”

My chest aches suddenly because I know exactly what he means. Because I canfeelit in the bond humming between us.

“I honestly never knew what ‘wanted’ was until you.” His expression turns serious as he continues, “I didn’t know what attraction, what need, whatdesirewas until you, Amara.”

He says it like a truth that has always existed.

“I wanted you before you bonded with Calryx. Before you kissed me for the first time.”

His eyes burn into mine, golden flecks shifting through the smoke-gray.

“I know now that the emptiness I had was my need for you. I wanted you before I even knew you.”

His fingers press just slightly firmer at my waist, as though anchoring the words there between us.

“I wanted you when you defied me. When you stood in my way. When you made me question everything I thought I knew.” His voice lowers even further. “I wanted you the moment I stepped through that portal and saw you standing in the middle of a storm.”

I look away, swallowing hard, trying to gather myself. I had already completely fallen for him. Now I don’t even know what to do with myself.

“And gods help me, I will always want you.”

I force out a breathless scoff, trying desperately to recover.

“You’re still enjoying this, aren’t you?”

The corner of his mouth curves again. “Immensely.”

And gods, I want to kill him. Or maybe just kiss him until I forget why I was mad.

The bond pulses again, a deep, rhythmic thrum, moving quietly through me like a reminder. A reminder of the way Thane held me closer. Of the certainty in his voice. Of the way he chose me again.

And again.

And again.

I know he feels it too because he gently squeezes my waist. Because for one fleeting second, something unguarded flickers across his face.

Neither one of us says anything, but we both feel it. Whatever this bond is becoming, it’s no longer the same thing it was before.

“Okay, okay—I need details.”

Lyra’s voice slices through the moment, shattering whatever had settled between me and Thane.

I barely have time to turn before she’s suddenly beside me, grinning like an excited gremlin who just witnessed elite social combat.

“You and Ardyn! Garrick told me who she is!” she says, immediately invading my personal space. “I swear I saw sparks flying. And not the fire-wielding kind.”

Thane steps back, hands raised in surrender, looking deeply relieved that Lyra has redirected my attention away from him.

Of course he is relieved. And he’s enjoying my suffering.

Lyra glances over her shoulder at Garrick approaching. “Right, Garrick?”

“Sorry, brother.” Garrick gives Thane a sympathetic look. “She insisted on interrupting. Said she had to make sure Amara was okay.”

He lifts his fingers into exaggerated air quotes.

“It’s part of ‘best friend duties.’”