35. Tessa

Tessa’s palms ignite with crackling light, alarming Theon, Luka, and Axel. Theon claims ignorance but theorizes her power is breaking through a binding and insists on helping; Luka warns he could shift and kill her if she loses control. Mention of Rockmoor reveals Luka nearly shifted then. Theon urges emotional discipline and a private element instructor, but is called away by his father.

Left with Luka, Tessa expects punishment for running to the river but instead gets brutal training; black flame restraints appear as Luka drills her. Over two days Theon stays distant as Axel runs her and Luka teaches combat and falls. During meetings, Theon orders her to observe heirs and patterns while keeping her close enough to monitor.

At a social where Legacy and Sources mingle, Tessa notes Theon’s political focus and the heirs’ dynamics. Seated with Sources, Jasper, Maxson, and Dade probe for her element and taunt her with the Sirana breeding program that rewards producing powerful Fae. Realizing they’re gathering intel for their Mistresses, Tessa flips the trap, offering misleading answers—claiming inconclusive tests or trivial water power—then exits before a scene erupts.

At the balcony, Tristyn Blackheart reappears, now openly Legacy, not mortal. On the dance floor he recites the Revelation Decree like a song, speaks of balance, and hints the realms hold beings far beyond Theon. He challenges Tessa’s view of strength, urging her to embrace chaos and promising that, if she endures, she—not the Arius Heir—will be the nightmare.