Page 347 of Elemental Becoming

“Honestly, I don’t know the full story. The name Vhael used to be ours, but that was generations ago. It changed over time.”

My pulse quickens.

“Changed how?”

He shrugs. “Not sure. Some political shift, I think. Alliancestuff.”

He shoots me a crooked smile.

“You’d have to ask my great-uncle. He’s the one obsessed with all the old records.”

My smile never falters, but inside, everything falls into place. Thane feels it too, his attention settling more heavily through the bond.

We round a corner, and the training fields come into view. Steel clashes in the distance while dragon roars echo overhead.

Kieran glances my way and immediately does a double take.

“You’re glowing,” he says, half amused, half curious. “Bond thing, or are you finally getting enough sleep?”

“I’ve always glowed, Kieran,” I laugh, thinking he’s referring to my magics.

“Yeah, but it’s different now.” He gestures vaguely. “Grounded. More . . . ” He searches for the word before giving up. “It suits you.”

I wave a hand. “Must be the lighting.”

Kieran nods, not entirely convinced.

I raise a brow, grasping at the nearest escape. “Careful. Thane might think you’re flirting.”

“That’s his problem, not mine.”

I roll my eyes, but through the bond, I feel it. Not jealousy exactly. Just a quiet claim, solid as a drawn blade.

Kieran shoves his hands in his pockets. “Heard about the fight with Ardyn yesterday.”

I sigh. “Of course you did.”

“Hard not to. Word is, it was quite the spectacle.”

My fingers curl into a loose fist. “It wasn’t about the fight itself.”

Kieran hums. “No, but that didn’t stop you from putting her on her ass, did it?”

I glare. “I didn’t—”

“I mean, really, Thalor. With an audience?” His expression turns almost thoughtful. “Brutal.”

“It wasn’t—”

“Humiliating, honestly.” He shakes his head. “I almost feel bad for her.”

“You do not.” I laugh despite myself.

“No, but Ishould. Ardyn, Fire Clan nobility, Thane’s former flame, flattened by a village girl? Tragic.”

“Are you done?”

“Absolutely not. I’m telling this story for years.”