8. Tessa

Tessa wakes after three days of near-continuous sleep, each brief waking marked by Theon’s presence and care. Parched and aching, she asks for water and a shower. The bond punishes her for pulling from Theon’s touch, underscoring its control. Theon guides her through the luxurious bathroom and closet, arranging toiletries and clothes, while Tessa bristles at dependence.

Under the hot shower, Tessa reflects on the impossibility of her situation and remembers Mother Cordelia’s past abuse and deprivation, which taught her isolation and fear. Fearing future Marks will intensify obsession, she focuses on the first Mark branded on her hand.

Theon gently combs Tessa’s hair and brings broth and bread, denying sweets as part of “care.” Their exchange escalates: Theon frames control as responsibility; Tessa calls it captivity and loss of choice. He insists she remain inside their rooms, and after a tense back-and-forth, he withdraws to shower.

Five days pass with Tessa confined, sleepless unless Theon is near, and numbed by books and television. She resists the bond by sleeping apart, taking small satisfaction despite exhaustion, and longs for the gardens she can see but not enter.

Axel, Theon’s younger brother, arrives with packages from Luka. Banter exposes Tessa’s simmering resentment—especially about forbidden doughnuts—and Theon’s rigid caretaking. Luka returns, and amid the sharp exchanges, Axel mentions a formal family dinner. Theon confirms Tessa must attend a seven o’clock formal meal with their parents, including Valter, setting immediate stakes for her behavior.