[Poruku]

I think the emote verb already does the job. Write in a manner that implies thought, no need to write out actual thought.

So instead of:
Ren Brown thinks: "Hmm, I wonder if james is going to use his fire spell?"
Do:
Ren Brown rubs his chin, clearly nervous. Was the fire spell coming next? He prepared himself.

And if there's nothing visible to write or it's not important enough to write out in that way maybe it's best to keep the thoughts inside.