38. Axel

Axel, anxious about the day and his father’s potential coercion, is interrupted by Katya, who excitedly shows a Mark in Cienna’s book. Comparing it to the known final Source Mark, they note small differences. Discussing Theon’s theory about merged Marks and Guardian elements, Katya questions the purpose of the first three Marks and posits the true Source bond might not exist until the final Mark is given.

Deciding Theon must hear this, Axel hustles Katya toward the Pantheon archives. They encounter Tristyn Blackheart, who reveals Theon has already left. Tristyn seizes and inspects the book, recognizes its value, offers Mark expertise directly to Katya, and advises hiding it, then departs with a cryptic remark about “fire and shadows.”

Axel and Katya reach the temple anteroom where Theon, Luka, and Tessa wait. Lord Jove arrives with Dagian and their Sources, publicly gifting Tessa a package to be opened after sundown and announcing the hearing is postponed two days, while the third Marking proceeds as planned. Luka pockets the gift in a realm, noting likely enchantments; tension simmers between Luka and Theon over how to handle it.

During the Solstice service, Tessa frets over Katya’s heels, and Axel explains the political optics under Valter. After the lengthy ceremony, heirs depart to prepare for the third Mark. In the anteroom, Valter tersely orders Axel to attend breakfast at the manor and bring the fire Fae, renewing Axel’s dread and underscoring the rising stakes around Katya.