6. Tessa

Exhausted and feverish from the first Mark, Tessa dozes through the mountain drive, accepting Theon’s proximity because it dulls the pain. Luka insists on regular stops, and in Castle Pines Theon outfits her for formal arrival. Along the way, Theon explains Arius shadow-walking and that, once fully Marked, he will access Arius gifts through her.

At a boutique, Theon dresses Tessa in a revealing amethyst gown despite her discomfort, openly admiring her and warning she will belong to him. As twilight falls, they reach the vast Arius House. Before meeting his parents, Theon orders Tessa to avoid speaking and not to kneel, then reverses when Valter challenges him, forcing her to kneel to end the confrontation.

Theon presents Tessalyn Ausra to Valter St. Orcas and Cressida. Cressida criticizes Tessa’s appearance; Valter appraises her beauty and insinuates she could be “loaned as a dam,” which Theon rejects with possessive finality. Valter showcases his own Source, Eviana, and declares Tessa must contribute to Arius Kingdom.

When Valter summons Theon to his study, Luka takes charge. He carries the faltering Tessa through a side entrance to the newly assigned east-wing Source suite—an opulent apartment linking Theon’s bedroom with Tessa’s small room. Luka urges adaptation and assures Theon chose Tessa for more than looks, though he implies there were other viable candidates.

Left briefly alone, Tessa spirals through questions about Arius wealth, duties, and the bond’s demands. When Luka returns, she refuses Theon’s bed and retreats to her cramped room, choosing discomfort over intimacy. As pain and the bond’s pull escalate without Theon nearby, Tessa anticipates future Marks and draws, concluding grimly that promised reassurance is a lie.