Page 234 of Elemental Becoming

His version of hello.

I’m reminded of the hundreds of training sessions where that single word followed every mistake I made. Every fall. Every misstep. Every fumbled maneuver.

This time, I won’t fumble.

Thane steps into the ring like he owns the ground beneath us. His eyes find mine and hold. And beneath that stillness, a restless heat smolders like a fuse waiting to be lit.

I bite my lip and forcibly redirect my thoughts.

Gods, this man can derail my concentration with a single look.

We are sparring.

Not fucking.

A distinction I really need to remember right now.

Rian steps back without a word. Even Valen shifts slightly, sensing the change in the air.

Thane steps into the ring. He rolls his shoulders and settles into his stance, relaxed but coiled like a storm held in check.

I swallow hard, fingers tightening around the hilt of my blade. I make a face at him and narrow my eyes. He will not throw me off.

I won’t let him.

His gaze remains fixed on mine, amused and infuriatingly calm, as though he already knows how this match ends.

The air between us crackles. Not with magics, but with tension. Tight. Tangible. Every inch of me is braced, not just for his blade, but for him.

He inclines his head ever so slightly. “Well?”

Valen and Rian exchange a look, clearly missing whatever just passed between us. Rian lifts an eyebrow while Valen adjusts his grip on his staff and shrugs.

I raise my blade. “Come find out.”

Then we move.

Our blades meet with a sharp clang, force vibrating up my arm. He’s faster than Rian. Stronger in his strikes. But never reckless.

Every movement is precision forged in fire.

I block, pivot, strike. He dodges easily, but his eyes never leave mine.

Each clash of steel sends another jolt through me. Not just from the impact, but from the way he watches. His gaze follows every movement with an intensity that makes me feel seen in places far deeper than my sparring skills.

My breath quickens—not from exhaustion, but fromsomething else entirely.

We break apart and begin to circle again.

“You’re holding back.”

The challenge in his voice curls through me.

“So are you,” I shoot back.

A faint smile ghosts across his lips.

“I won’t hurt you,” he purrs.