22. Theon

Dagian Jove confronts Theon about a secretive Match Contract, warning that Arius’s secrecy strains realm relations. Theon, irritated and distracted by a message, leaves to collect Tessa early from lessons.

At Cordelia’s session, Theon finds Tessa forced to kneel and senses she was disciplined with magic. He rebukes Cordelia, asserts boundaries over Tessa’s treatment, and withdraws Tessa. On the walk home, he snaps at her; later, Luka notes her conflicted emotions and lack of food, prompting Theon to bring an apology and cookies.

In their room, talk of Scarlett and Sorin’s revelations spirals into a deeper argument about control, identity, and abandonment. Tessa insists she has nothing left to give; Theon admits he still wants her. Their confrontation turns into urgent sex, both using the bond to escape and anchor, yet Tessa denies romantic framing.

Afterward, Theon reveals the message: Tessa must go to Faven for a week of tests. Anxious about being alone, Tessa asks Luka to sleep beside them, which he agrees to without question; Theon’s jealousy and attempts at reassurance backfire as Tessa rejects mixed signals and emotional manipulation.

The next morning, Theon negotiates with Dagian for access and updates but is overruled. Dagian bans Tessa’s phone and possessions, providing clothing instead. Tessa asks if Theon has told her everything about her heritage; he lies, keeping his knowledge about her divine parentage concealed. Dex arrives to ease her departure. Theon warns Tessa not to trust Achaz; she asserts her own loyalties and leaves, while he worries what could change in a week.