The Legacy Series, #1
Rain of Shadows and Endings
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
42. Theon
Overview
On Emerging night, Tessa remains eerily detached as Theon plans to navigate political fallout. In a shocking move, Axel claims Katya, who manifests as a rare fire elemental, strengthening Arius and pleasing Theon’s father, who threatens Tessa’s replaceability. Theon confesses his need for Tessa and kisses her, but she stays emotionally distant.
Revelations about the Witch Cienna resurface, and Tessa’s new violet-eyed state and nihilism raise stakes for the bond and court politics.
Summary
Theon frets over Axel’s absence and Tessa’s alarming numbness as the Emerging approaches. He outlines strategy: assess strong Fae for Arius and prepare for backlash when Tessa, now an Arius Source, is revealed. Tessa’s eyes show permanent violet rings, her demeanor veering between apathy and razor-edged defiance, and she pointedly questions Theon’s protections and motives. Their bond briefly surges when Tessa releases it.
At the Pantheon viewing box, Theon explains the five claim vials. Tessa banters, then masks herself as the perfect, demure Source when Theon’s parents and Eviana arrive. Axel appears late, revealing contact from the Witch Cienna who once forged the Guardian Bond, and Theon admits his father hunts her. They watch emergings: Corbin manifests water; another friend also water; Lange air.
When Katya (Kat) steps up, Axel impulsively throws a claim vial before her element is known, drawing Theon’s fury and their father’s scrutiny. Katya then erupts in multicolored fire, validating the claim and igniting outrage across the arena. Theon’s father is thrilled, calling it a boon for Arius and hinting Katya could replace Tessa if she proves inadequate, which Tessa receives without visible reaction.
A Pantheon sentinel arrives to escort Tessa to her ritual. Theon insists on accompanying her to a warded holding room. There, Tessa reveals a nihilistic indifference to life and death; Theon reassures her about the political “replacement” threat and confesses he needs her beyond the bond, recalling a moment on the Chaosphere. They kiss, the bond easing, but when he asks if it changes anything, Tessa calmly says no, remaining distant as the ceremony nears.
Who Appears
- TheonArius heir; strategizes for Emerging, confronts Axel, defies father’s control, confesses needing Tessa, kisses her, escorts her to the ritual.
- TessaFae Source; emotionally numb with violet-ringed eyes, alternates defiance and poise, aids observations, remains detached despite Theon’s confession.
- AxelGuardian; arrives late, reports Cienna’s contact, impulsively claims Katya who manifests fire, causing political upheaval.
- LukaGuardian and hidden royal; advises restraint, reacts in shock to Axel’s claim, stands with Theon amid father’s scrutiny.
- Lord of Arius (Theon’s father)Powerful patriarch; angered by Axel’s rash claim until Katya shows fire, then pleased; threatens Tessa’s replaceability.
- EvianaAlly of Arius; arrives with Theon’s parents, observes the proceedings and fallout from Katya’s claim.
- Theon’s motherAttends briefly, keeps distance until Sources’ emergings, maintains court decorum.
- Katya (Kat)Fae claimed by Arius; unexpectedly manifests as fire elemental, triggering arena-wide outrage and boosting Arius standing.
- CorbinTessa’s acquaintance; emerges with water as predicted, easing Tessa’s tension.
- Pantheon sentinelEscorts Tessa to warded holding room; yields to Theon’s insistence on accompanying her.