Page 81 of Elemental Becoming

Sera covers Rowena’s hand with hers.

“There was already too much unrest,” Rowena continues. “The nobles were whispering. The other Clans were watching. People were anxious—Kastiel was gone, then our mother, then my father . . . ” She trails off for a moment before continuing. “Trust was already starting to fracture.”

Sera’s smile appears slowly, far too polite to be harmless. “My family has influence with the Water Clan leadership. Our being together—at that moment—would have added more tension where we couldn’t afford it.”

Rowena nods once. “And stepping into the role of Warlord then . . . it would have made everything worse.”

She doesn’t sound bitter. Just certain.

“So Thane stepped forward,” I say quietly.

Rowena’s mouth curves. “He did. My incredible brother.”

Sera’s thumb brushes across her hand. “We chose each otheranyway.”

Rowena glances at her, something softer passing through her eyes. “Still would.”

A quiet moment hangs over the table.

Then Lyra clears her throat. “That was far too emotional. Next round: biggest regret or worst decision.”

Rowena groans. “I’m going to need more wine for that.”

“Good thing we have another bottle,” Sera says, reaching for it.

Rowena lifts her glass, pointing it at Lyra. “Alright, ringleader. Since you love prying into everyone else’s business—your turn. What’s something we don’t know about you?”

Lyra, who had been kicking her feet up on the edge of the table, nearly spills her wine. She recovers quickly, her signature smirk sliding into place.

“Oh, please. I’m an open book.”

Rowena angles her head. “That’s exactly what someone says when they’re hiding something interesting.”

Sera leans forward, resting her chin in her hand. “Come now, Lyra. We’ve spilled our secrets. Let’s see what you’re keeping tucked away.”

She swirls her wine, pretending to think. “Fine, fine. Let me see . . . ah! Here’s a fun one: I once kissed a prince.”

Rowena blinks. “Excuse me?”

Sera raises an eyebrow. “Which prince?”

Lyra waves a hand. “Unimportant. Just some royal pain in the ass.”

I cross my arms. “That’s not how this game works. You don’t get to drop that and move on. They need details.” I look over at Rowena and Sera— “I know this one,” I add, grinning.

Lyra sighs dramatically. “Alright, alright. It was years ago, before all this war and chaos. I was at a very boring, very formal event with my parents. This prince—who shall remain namelessto protect his very delicate ego—wouldn’t stop prattling on about himself. How noble he was. How grand his future would be. How lucky any woman would be to stand beside him.”

Rowena snorts. “So you kissed him to shut him up?”

Lyra grins. “I kissed him because I knew it would scandalize him.” She lifts her glass. “And I was right. Poor boy turned redder than Fire Clan banners and spent the rest of the night stammering.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “That’s because you are truly chaos incarnate.”

Rowena gasps and leans forward, eyes gleaming. “You must say more!”

Lyra groans. “Don’t encourage her.”

But it’s too late.