45. Tessa

The chapter opens in a dire vision where Theon, aided by Luka, Axel, and a dragon, prepares to stab Tessa, claiming sacrifice is needed to save their world. Two armed onlookers argue about balance and interference, but Theon apologizes and drives a black dagger into Tessa’s heart.

Tessa jolts awake, realizing it was the final priestess-designed assessment meant to provoke her gifts and manipulate her feelings for Theon. Lying beside a sleeping Theon, she acknowledges the bond’s comfort, slips from bed, and watches dawn over the Shade Plains, restless and wary.

She replays Rordan Jove’s candid answers: she may not be Fae or demi-Fae; her powers exceed Achaz limits, evidenced by calling a storm indoors. She recalls seeing Dex at the Achaz manor and the repeated ballad about balance, chaos, and sacrifice, fueling her mistrust of everyone’s motives.

Testing the restraints, Tessa removes one of Theon’s new bands, noting they contain rather than drain her magic, unlike Rordan’s. She decides to let others believe she cannot remove them, buying time to learn control and information on her own terms.

Resolved, Tessa chooses to trust no one until proven otherwise. She vows to uncover the secrets of Theon, Luka, Axel, the Achaz and Arius Lords, and all Devram. Accepting that she was broken, she commits to rebuilding herself—becoming the storm and wielding light strong enough to obliterate darkness.