The Legacy Series, #1
Rain of Shadows and Endings
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
34. Tessa
Overview
Tessa yields to Theon’s shadow-fueled pleasure, then wakes to Axel forcing a grueling run before Luka’s severe combat training. Luka restrains her with dragon fire and warns of constant danger. Theon and Axel arrive to brand Tracking Marks on all four and take Tessa’s blood. Tessa’s nascent element crackles with light as Theon reveals his true aim: kill his father and claim the Underground, not Devram.
Summary
In the aftermath of the vampyre attack, Theon keeps his promise not to touch Tessa, using shadows to bring her to climax while forcing eye contact and asserting their bond’s inevitability. Tessa showers, conflicted yet recognizing the release kept her from breaking.
At dawn, Axel wakes Tessa, pushes her through a punishing run, and delivers her to Luka for combat training. Luka insists on rigorous form and control, rebuking her defiance, and reveals the Legacy’s rationed blood and the realities of “behavior corrections” Theon has shielded her from. When Tessa resists, Luka binds her stance with searing black dragon fire.
Theon arrives early, exhausted from overnight damage control; Axel follows with an item they procured. With Luka holding Tessa steady, Theon uses a scion to inscribe a precise Tracking Mark on her hip; identical Marks are made on Theon, Axel, and Luka to hasten rescue if she’s taken again. Theon then cuts Tessa’s arm so Luka can collect her blood, which Theon drinks to replenish spent magic.
Tessa shuts down emotionally during the marking and blood-taking, but when the flames release, crackling light flickers at her fingertips—her element stirring under extreme calm. Surrounded by Theon, Luka, and Axel, she challenges their intentions. Theon clarifies he does not seek Devram; he intends to kill his father and claim the Underground, letting others hold Devram.
Who Appears
- TessaFae Source; submits to Theon’s shadow pleasure, endures brutal training, is branded with a Tracking Mark; blood taken; power flickers as light.
- TheonArius heir and Tessa’s Master; arouses her without touching, orchestrates Tracking Marks, drinks her blood, vows to kill his father and take the Underground.
- LukaDragon Guardian; imposes strict combat form, restrains Tessa with black dragon fire, assists in marking, explains constant threats.
- AxelBrother to Theon; drives Tessa on a hard run, procures the scion, helps apply Marks; idea to track her for faster rescue.
- PenRetainer; provides water and Axel’s protein shake before training.