Page 239 of Elemental Becoming

There had been no hesitation in his voice.

“You’re the Spiritborn. You wield powers none of us have, and whether you like it or not, your decisions affect the future of this realm as much as mine do.”

I had opened my mouth to argue, but he hadn’t given me the chance.

“And after everything you’ve done, nobody can seriously question whether you’ve earned a seat at that table.”

His gaze had held mine.

“The council doesn’t need another person who thinks exactly like the rest of us. It needs perspective. It needs someone willing to challenge assumptions.”

I remember rolling my eyes. “Is that your polite way of calling me difficult?”

A hint of amusement had touched his expression. “Yes.”

I had laughed despite myself, but instead of laughing with me, his expression had turned serious again.

“I wanted more time.”

The admission had caught me off guard.

“For what?”

“For you.” His gaze had held mine. “For all of this. You’re still learning the realm. The clans. Politics.”

I had shaken my head, trying to absorb the weight of it all.

“There’s one more thing,” he continued.

My eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“Your seat on the council isn’t just for today.”

Now, sitting here and watching Lord Edric Voss lean forward,his gaze sharp as he says, “I assume there is a reason the Spiritborn is here,” I finally understand why Thane had insisted I be in this room.

This isn’t just about this meeting. It isn’t just about war or strategy. Thane didn’t bring me here because of who he is. He brought me here because of who he believes I can become. He isn’t forcing me into this. He’s offering me a seat, a voice, and a choice. And now it’s up to me whether I step into it.

There’s no condescension in Edric’s tone, only blunt practicality. He doesn’t waste words or entertain formalities. In his mind, time is war’s most precious commodity, and right now he thinks I’m wasting it.

The words don’t sting. They simply echo the doubts I already carried into the room.

Before I can respond, Thane leans back in his chair.

“She fought for this kingdom before it ever claimed her.”

The room falls silent.

“She bled for it. She nearly died for it—more than once.”

No one dares to interrupt.

Thane’s eyes move around the table, meeting each council member in turn.

“She changed the battlefield itself. If you want to keep fighting an enemy with the same tactics we’ve relied on for generations, that’s your choice. But our enemies are changing. They’re adapting. And if we refuse to do the same, we’ll lose.”

His gaze settles on Edric.

“Amara brings something to this council that none of us can. A different perspective. A different way of thinking. And I will not ignore that simply because it challenges tradition.”