The Hurricane Wars, #2
A Monsoon Rising
by Thea Guanzon
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Three
Overview
Surakwel brings Talasyn confirmation that the Allfold is safe, along with Vela’s urgent command to uncover and disable the source powering Kesath’s void-heart warships before Sardovia attacks. The political danger of Talasyn’s double life sharpens just as Alaric, misled by court gossip about Nenavarene favorites, confronts her in a jealous rage.
The confrontation becomes an intimate encounter that briefly deepens Alaric and Talasyn’s physical and emotional bond, even as Talasyn remains painfully aware that her vows to stand with him are compromised by her secret allegiance. The chapter heightens both the coming military stakes and the personal stakes of Talasyn’s divided loyalties.
Summary
While dancing with Talasyn at the masquerade, Surakwel reports that the Sardovian remnant at the Allfold survived the Night of the World-Eater safely, though Vela was shaken. He then delivers Vela’s new orders: Talasyn must return to the Continent, discover how Kesath keeps powering its void-heart warships from a limited source of void magic, and disable that source before Sardovia and its allies attack.
Surakwel notices Alaric approaching in a fury and quickly withdraws. Talasyn panics, fearing Alaric may have discovered her contact with Sardovia, but Ito Wempuq interrupts with effusive compliments and a request to dance. Alaric brusquely cuts Wempuq off, claims Talasyn is already spoken for, and pulls Talasyn away from the ballroom into the antechamber.
Once alone, Alaric kisses Talasyn with possessive intensity. Talasyn realizes his anger is not about treason but jealousy: after hearing that Dominion custom allows political favorites, Alaric believes Talasyn’s suitors may expect more than dances. Talasyn rejects the accusation, reminds Alaric of their promise on Belian that there would be no dishonor between them, and is inwardly struck by the hypocrisy of her own vows, since her secret loyalty to Sardovia means she cannot truly stand with him as promised.
Alaric apologizes, but Talasyn, angry and conflicted, provokes him instead of letting the moment settle. Their argument turns into another fierce kiss, then into an urgent sexual encounter on a chaise in the antechamber while the masquerade continues nearby. Alaric frames his desire as a refusal to share Talasyn with anyone, and Talasyn gives in to the pleasure despite knowing they risk being discovered.
Afterward, Talasyn and Alaric remain together in a rare moment of warmth and ease. Talasyn asks where Alaric got the idea that she would take favorites, and Alaric admits that Lueve told him about Rasmey and Urduja’s past. Talasyn finds it strange that Daya Rasmey would gossip, but she and Alaric postpone dealing with it, choosing instead to linger in the fragile contentment between them.
Who Appears
- TalasynReceives Sardovian orders, fears exposure, confronts Alaric’s jealousy, and wrestles with broken vows.
- AlaricJealously interrupts Talasyn’s dance, accuses no dishonor, apologizes, then seeks possessive intimacy.
- Surakwel MantesDances with Talasyn, reports the Allfold safe, and delivers Vela’s urgent mission.
- Ito WempuqSilklands rajan who compliments Talasyn and is rudely displaced by Alaric.
- VelaOff-page Sardovian leader ordering Talasyn to investigate Kesath’s replenishing void-heart power source.
- LueveOff-page source whose gossip about political favorites fuels Alaric’s jealous misunderstanding.