Page 233 of Elemental Becoming

He backs off, laughing, chest heaving.

“Alright, alright. Gods, remind me never to underestimate you again. Clearly you’ve improved significantly since we last sparred.”

He twirls his blade once, resetting his stance.

“Looks like I need to up my game.”

I offer a tight smile, though my focus doesn’t waver. “You’re welcome to try.”

My eyes flick to Thane.

He hasn’t moved. But I feel a shift in him, like a ripple across still water.

Admiration.

Desire.

A dangerous heat coiling beneath the surface.

My pulse spikes, but I don’t let it show.

Instead, I turn back to Rian and lift my blade again. “One more?”

Rian nods once, resetting his stance. “One more.”

He moves fast—no warning, no pause—and this time, I’m just a breath behind. His blade taps my side. A sharp sting.

“One,” he says, grinning.

I grit my teeth and press forward. We clash, steel on steel, footsteps shifting through dust. He spins, pivots, strikes again. I block, but not fast enough. His blade clips my thigh. Light. Clean.

“Two.”

Damn it.

I steady my breathing and shake the frustration from my limbs.

Don’t react. Reset.

I watch his footwork now. His weight. His rhythm. I wait for the opening.

When it comes, I take it.

I duck low, slide under his guard on my knees, and land a sharp tap against his ribs.

“Three,” I mutter, breath ragged.

He backs off, laughing. “You’re dangerous, Thalor.”

I offer a smug smile, lifting my blade again. “I’m just getting started.”

Movement at the edge of the training ring draws my attention. Thane steps forward, silent as a lion stalking through tall grass, his gaze locked on me.

Rian lowers his weapon with a knowing look. “Looks like I’m being replaced.”

I turn toward Thane, my heart already thudding. He draws his blade in one fluid motion and meets my eyes.

“Again.”