Page 219 of Elemental Becoming

AMARA

Kieran is reclined against a stack of pillows, one arm wrapped protectively across his ribs. A bruise darkens the line of his jaw.

I rest my hand on Thane’s shoulder and lean in, voice barely above a whisper.

“I see Kieran. I’m going to check on him.”

Thane glances up and nods. “I’ll join you when I’m done speaking with Jon.”

I brush my fingers gently over Jon’s forearm. “Thank you for your service.”

Then I slip between beds, weaving through quiet conversations and the lingering scent of salve and blood until I reach Kieran’s side. As I draw closer, he lifts his head slightly, his blue-silver eyes finding mine. A slow, crooked grin spreads across his bruised face.

“There she is,” he drawls, voice rough but unmistakably playful. “Come to check if I’m still pretty?”

Despite everything, I smile.

“Pretty enough,” I say, stopping beside his bed. “But I had to be sure.”

He chuckles, then winces and presses a hand to his ribs.

“Careful, Spiritborn. Flattery might kill me faster than this injury.” His grin widens. “I’ve looked better, sure, but don’t act like the bruises aren’t working for you a little.”

I lower myself into the chair beside his bed and reach for his free hand. He doesn’t hesitate. Our fingers slide together without thought.

Up close, the bruises look worse. Darker. Sharper. But the mischief hasn’t dulled. Even now, humor lingers at the corners of his mouth as he shifts and immediately grimaces.

I glance at his shoulder. The bandages are thick and white,already seeping faintly at the edges. That’s where the bolt struck.

Black and fast.

Meant for me.

The words lodge in my throat, making it difficult to swallow.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” I murmur, my thumb brushing over his knuckles.

He shrugs, then winces again. “What, I should’ve let theSpiritbornget skewered? Sorry, but that didn’t seem like a great tactical choice.”

Despite myself, I laugh.

“What did the healers say?” I ask.

His expression shifts, and some of the light leaves his eyes.

“The dark magics spread through my veins,” he says. “But the healers got to it fast. Said they were able to pull most of it out before it left anything permanent.”

He exhales, frustration sharpening the sound.

“Still stuck here for a week, though. Minimum.” He glares down at the sheets like they’re holding him hostage. “I’m going to lose my mind.”

The complaint is dramatic enough that some of the brightness returns to his face.

Kieran lifts a brow. “So you’re doing the rounds as the realm’s chosen one. That’s got to weigh on you.”

He studies me for a moment.

“Looks heavy.”