Page 296 of Elemental Becoming

I can’t help it. I laugh, pressing my forehead briefly against his arm before pulling back to look up at him.

“For what it’s worth, I do appreciate the thought.” I lean into him, tilting my head back, eyes pleading. “Please do the gesture. I’m sorry. I’ll stop talking now.”

His gaze flicks over my face, weighing the sincerity of my apology before he finally shakes his head, the corner of his mouth lifting.

“No, you won’t.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he just arches a brow.

Damn him. He’s right.

Still, I squeeze his hand a little tighter. “But I really do want to see it.”

Thane drags a hand down his face. “Fine. But if you start with another lecture, I’m turning around and walking straight back to the keep.”

I grin. “Deal.”

“Mm-hmm.”

He’s clearly unconvinced, but he tugs me forward anyway, leading me deeper into the gardens.

As we start walking again, Thane sighs, shaking his head. “If you had your shields up like you’re supposed to, I would never have known how much of a colossal fail this was going to be.”

I glance up at him, eyes narrowing. “So now it’s my fault?”

His smirk deepens. “I didn’t say that. But if that’s the conclusion you’ve reached, who am I to argue?”

I nudge him with my elbow. “You’re an ass.”

Thane laughs, the sound rich and genuine. Then he halts,his gaze settling on mine. The humor in his eyes softens into something more sincere.

“No, seriously,” he says, his voice lowering. “I’m glad I know.”

His thumb brushes along my pulse, a gentle caress.

“I always want to know what you’re thinking. And if you don’t want me to know, you don’t have to tell me.”

A playful glint returns to his eyes.

“But make sure to keep your shields up.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Bastard.”

His laughter joins mine, a warm, comforting sound that echoes throughout the garden.

As we walk, I take in the changing gardens. The trees stand tall, their branches still full, but their leaves have turned, shifting from summer’s green to a riot of gold, amber, and crimson edges. The early autumn sun filters through them, casting dappled light along the path, making the leaves glow like embers caught in a gentle breeze.

The sight of the changing seasons and trees brings me back to my village again. To home and the harvest season.

Back in the village, this was always the busiest time of year. Long days spent gathering crops, storing food, and preparing for winter. Everyone worked together, knowing that the hard labor of autumn meant survival through the cold months ahead.

The crisp scent of autumn always meant the same thing: work now, rest later.

I wonder if the village has finished its rebuilding. If the homes that had been burned stand whole once more. If life has finally begun to feel normal.

My thoughts drift to Revan. The last time I saw him, we were having dinner at Lyra’s family home. He spent half the evening talking about dragons and how one day he was going to channel all four Elements and become a rider.

A smile tugs at my lips.