Page 156 of Elemental Becoming

The scrutiny of the evening presses tighter against my ribs, but Valen’s gaze is focused only on me.

“How are you?” he asks.

NotHow’s the ball.NotHow’s Ardyn.Just—How are you?

And gods, I appreciate that more than I can say.

I shrug, not sure how to answer.

“I don’t know. I’m still standing.”

“That’s a start,” Valen replies with an easy smile.

He glances briefly between me and Thane, his gaze sharp with quiet assessment.

“And Ardyn?”

I tense.

Thane doesn’t.

The string instruments in the orchestra fill the room with intricate melodies. Servers weave through the crowd carrying trays balanced with glasses of wine and gold-rimmed pastries.

“She was . . . ” I hesitate, choosing my words carefully.

Valen hums softly, clearly unsurprised. “She was always good at making an impression.”

“She tried,” I say, more clipped than I intended.

“And?”

I exhale sharply. “And I held my own.”

Valen nods once, like that outcome was never truly in doubt. “Good girl.”

Thane’s hand glides down my back, as if in silent agreement with Valen.

The bond thrums between us, a gentle pulse against my senses. A reminder. A tether.

I feel it in the steady pressure of his hand against me. In the quiet admiration and pride threading through the bond.

The enormity of the night settles around me, the ballroom still a blur of gold light, swirling tulle and satin, and whispered conversations. I can still feel Ardyn’s presence lingering like an aftertaste I can’t quite spit out. Still feel the lingering eyes of the court, weighing my place in their world.

“You’re doing better than you think, Amara,” Valen says.

I turn toward him, his calm, unwavering gaze on mine.

“I don’t know if I believe that,” I admit.

“That doesn’t make it less true,” Valen says gently. “Being here requires another type of battle—the political kind. One fought in subtleties and whispers.”

His silver-blue eyes soften with understanding.

“This is not an easy world, Amara. Especially these last few decades with the Shadeheart’s forces breaking through the wards. Nearly every interaction is laced with underlying intentions. It takes a skill that must be developed. Practiced. Earned.”

He holds my gaze, calm and certain.

“You are not expected to know how to navigate these treacherous waters.” A small pause. “And yet, you are doing just fine.”