The Legacy Series, #1
Rain of Shadows and Endings
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
2. Tessa
Overview
Theon St. Orcas is revealed as the Arius Heir and shocks the hall by Selecting Tessalyn “Tessa” Ausra as his Source. In private, he outlines the bond’s mechanics and a preparatory tonic, then forcibly administers it and Entrances Tessa to initiate the pre-bond. The choice severs Tessa from her friends and cements Theon’s control, sharply raising personal stakes and power imbalance.
Summary
As the Selection ceremony begins, Tessa realizes the intimidating Legacy she argued with over chocolate is actually Theon St. Orcas, the Arius Heir. After routine choices by other heirs, Theon shocks everyone by Selecting Tessalyn Ausra as his bonded Source. Tessa and her friends react with dread as she’s escorted to the dais.
Dismissed with the heirs, Theon guides Tessa to a private suite for bonding preparations. He notes she lacks bags and intends to leave before the feast, probing her hunger and nervously establishing small rapport while maintaining control. Tessa asks about the process; Theon explains that bonding precedes the first Mark and requires proximity.
Theon reveals a tonic is needed to crack Tessa’s undeveloped magical shields so his power can enter, intertwining signatures before her magic emerges. Tessa admits she was never prepared, not slated for Selection, and does not view this as an honor. He insists trust will come with the bond.
Without warning, Theon injects the tonic into Tessa’s neck. When she panics, he uses Entrancement—exploiting her lack of mental shields—to force eye contact and compliance. Dark power threads into her as he speaks binding words, asserting selection, obedience, and possession, thereby initiating the pre-bond and formalizing his control over Tessa.
Who Appears
- Tessalyn "Tessa" AusraFae protagonist; unexpectedly Selected as the Arius Heir’s Source, isolated from friends, injected with tonic, and Entranced to begin pre-bond.
- Theon St. OrcasArius Heir; publicly selects Tessa, asserts control, explains bond mechanics, administers tonic, and uses Entrancement to initiate pre-bond.
- DexTessa’s close friend; supports her during the ceremony and urges her to go when Selected.
- OraliaTessa’s friend; reacts in horror to Tessa’s Selection and grips her hand during the tense announcement.
- Achaz LordPresides over the Selection, announces heirs and dismisses them for bonding before the feast.
- Dagian (Achaz Heir)Selects Sasha Roenya as his Source, signaling expected, orderly choices before Theon’s surprise.
- Sasha RoenyaChosen by the Achaz Heir as his bonded Source during the ceremony.