29. Tessa

After a tense dinner dominated by Cressida’s tears, Tessa escapes to the balcony, reeling over Theon’s lie that her assessment was “inconclusive.” In the rain, she confronts Theon about hiding her high results and demands to know why he chose her, pressing about bloodline and her unknown parents.

Theon insists her selection status doesn’t change, denies knowing her parents, and explains he wanted a cunning, non-meek Source with strong potential, even if not fire. He reveals he nearly missed her, then found her “by chance,” and highlights her secret ability to bypass wards. Tessa, stung that she fits a checklist, challenges his motives.

Pushed, Theon declares he wants “everything” from Tessa. She rejects him, saying she has nothing left, and reveals she was punished as a child for unknowingly slipping wards. Seeing Axel and Luka witnessing the exchange, she ends the confrontation, showers alone, and sinks into despair.

Before dawn, Tessa, emotionally numb, sits with coffee and rain. Theon discusses the Acropolis townhouse and travel plans; Penelope has prepared necessities. Tessa limits conversation, citing their bargain: she will be publicly compliant but owes nothing in private.

In the dressing room, a tense aside about Theon’s potential Match goes nowhere. In the kitchen, Axel offers doughnuts and an apology; Tessa insists nothing matters and reaffirms she’ll fulfill the bargain’s public role. Theon arrives with travel mugs and gear, and Tessa departs with Theon and Axel to meet Luka and begin the trip to the Acropolis.