34. Theon

Theon gains entry for five to Ekayan Island’s archives, thanks to Lady Farhan’s authorization via Prudence, but all wear cuffs that will toxify at sundown or if they stray. They portal through Orinthia, descend to the catacombs, and accept that wards may suppress power. Tessa, uneasy underground, steadies with Theon and Luka’s reassurance.

Katya directs them to Ancient History and its catacombs. The group splits duties: Theon and Katya sift ancient texts while Axel flags symbols; Luka shadows Tessa among stacks. Despite hours of work, they find nothing on Fae creation or Source bonds, deepening Theon’s urgency.

They note a text on Serafina’s descendants as potential “Wind Walkers” who hear secrets on the wind. Discussion broadens: records suggest Achaz and Serafina were meant to be Matched for children in the First War, raising questions on hidden bloodlines. Theon introduces the grim reality of contraceptives and eradicated Legacy–Fae offspring, prompting Katya’s theory that some children were hidden among Fae, with Mother Cordelia perhaps identifying them later.

Cross-referencing recent emergences of wind and water magic (Lange, Brecken, Dex; Oralia, Corbin) supports the mixed-lineage suspicion. Tessa notes she wields multiple gifts, underscoring the mystery. The group admits they still lack a direct link to Tessa’s nature but sees a pattern of concealed power.

To protect suspected mixed-bloods, Theon considers early claims despite political risk and limited quotas. After debate, and Tessa’s plea not to separate a couple, he agrees to claim Lange and Corbin rather than only the highest-ranked. The decision places him further at odds with Valter as their search time dwindles with no definitive answers.