Page 6 of Elemental Becoming

“It’s protocol,” he says quietly, just for me. “The people need to see you.”

His words are as much a statement as they are a command. “They know the Prophecy. And they have undoubtedly heard rumors. Seeing you will give them hope, showing them that you are real. They need to see that.”

A wave of doubt crashes through me as the reality of being the Spiritborn hits me. I’mhere, facing this massive city. It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever seen. The weight of my part in all this settles over me.

It must show on my face because Lyra nudges my knee with hers. She leans in, her voice low.

“You can do this. Go.”

I exhale, my pulse thrumming, my nerves tightening.

“Right, okay.” I sigh, before I can talk myself out of it, urging my horse forward.

I follow Thane to the front of the company, my stomach twisting tighter with every step. I feel Thane’s presence beside me, steady as ever.

“This feels real now,” I murmur, the words clawing at my throat as my fingers tighten on the reins.

Thane’s gaze remains locked on the city ahead.

“It is going to keep feeling more real with every step. Keep breathing. And remember, you’re not alone, Amara.”

He tries to soothe me but instead my stomach tightens further.

The gates of Volcaris rise before us. The reinforced dark iron seems to spear the sky. The guards stationed along the high walls shift, their eyes scanning our company, moving past banners, past warriors, and then locking onto me.

I see it in their faces. Recognition. Expectation. Doubt.

My stomach flips.

As we cross the threshold, my senses are assaulted by the sights, sounds, and scents of the city. I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, wishing for the quiet of the rolling fields beyond our farm.

A gentle tug in the bond I share with Calryx has me open my eyes and look up.

The shadows of our dragons ripple over the city, massive, shifting, moving with a power that cannot be ignored. Garrick’s copper-scaled dragon circles high above the Ember Throne. Jarek’s sleek red beast moves in a lazy arc, as if this is nothing more than a casual patrol. Rian’s pale blue dragon glides with purpose, his wings stretched wide, catching the morning light.

And then there’s mine.Mydragon.

Calryx soars above me, a phantom of pearlescent whiteagainst the sky. Sunlight glances off her scales, a shimmer of ghostly fire, her emerald eyes sharp as they sweep the streets below. I don’t need to look up to know exactly where she is. I feel her, always, a steady pulse in the back of my mind, our bond a thread that never frays.

“Virelya.”Calryx’s voice curls into my thoughts, a whisper carried on the wind.“You are too quiet.”

“I’m thinking . . . taking it all in.”

“You think too much.”There’s warmth in her tone, but also amusement.“It makes you brood like your Warlord.”

“I do not brood. And he’s notmyWarlord. Not like that.”

“Mmm.”The hum of her mind brushes against mine, all-knowing.“This morning proves otherwise. Remember, I can sense your feelings when the bond is open.”

I wince.

Calryx’s amusement ripples through me, languid and indulgent, like a cat basking in the sun.

I huff, but my chest feels lighter.“What do you see?”I ask, tilting my head slightly.

“Everything.”A pause. A shift of wings.“They are watching you, Virelya.”

“Who?”