13. Theon

Theon brings Tessa to the training pits after leaving Cienna, letting her release magic to ease her panic. As Tessa marvels at controlling her light without storms, Theon and Luka assess Katya’s progress. Tessa hints she suspects Luka might be otherworldly, revealing sharpened insight and guarded secrets. Theon realizes he has underestimated her and worries about trust, the Achaz instructor, and his Match contract.

They head toward the central districts through tunnels that trigger Tessa’s claustrophobia. Near a crossroads cavern, Tessa panics, insisting they turn back, sensing blood and danger. Despite coaxing, they step into an ambush by Jagger, a former Celeste Legacy turned Night Child who split from Cade’s clan, accusing them of allying with Achaz and betraying Underground promises.

Violence erupts as Night Children swarm. Theon’s shadows and blades cut down attackers; Luka’s black flames support him. Axel shields Katya, removing her bands so she can ring them with fire. Amid the chaos, Tessa is seized. Theon blankets the cavern in darkness; Luka rains black fire. When the gloom clears, Tessa kneels with a dagger embedded below her heart while Jagger feeds at her throat.

Consumed by fury, Theon pries Jagger from Tessa and tortures him before crushing his heart. Luka walls them off with fire while Axel and Katya hold position. Luka orders Theon to get Tessa airborne; Theon and Axel lift Tessa and Katya while Luka shifts fully and incinerates the remaining Night Children, leaving no trace.

On the ground again, Tessa mutters that Jagger was told to kill her or Devram would fall. As she weakly reaches for Theon’s shadow wings, Theon and Axel prepare to extract the dagger, planning to pool magic and find a Witch. Theon pulls the blade, recognizing it as a Legacy-killer. Tessa doesn’t respond—Theon feels nothing through their bond, which falls terrifyingly silent.