48. Luka

Luka arrives at Arius House to find Theon ill and devastated after Tessa left him. Theon admits Tessa fulfilled their Bargain by taking Valter, leaving Theon acting ruler. He confesses he tried to force Tessa into a role and now believes she is central to a larger prophecy tied to the Revelation Decree.

Theon shares his translations: Tessa likely descends from both Arius/Serafina and Achaz/Zinta, embodying light and dark. Luka reports that, during an Augury ambush, Tessa summoned Achaz’s Hunters with golden blades, while Auryon—sent by Temural—fought as a Huntress formed by Temural and Anala.

Luka cannot find Axel; Corbin and Lange confirm Axel last sought Falein and translation help. Theon and Luka fear Valter punished Axel for hiding Kat. Theon explains Tessa forcibly made him her Source and walked away, heightening Luka’s alarm about an indiscriminate threat to all Arius-blooded people.

Corbin suggests the conflict is part of the Everlasting War and implies Anala prepares against Achaz. He urges unexpected alliances. Theon concedes they have used Tessa and resolves to change course, asking for the Fae’s help, which they offer for Tessa’s sake.

Theon sets a plan: rest, then contact Blackheart to rescind Kat’s delivery order and retrieve her, use Arius authority to search for Axel, and prepare for war. Recognizing Tessa will not meet him, Theon orders Luka—despite the Guardian bond—to go to Tessa, speak to her without reporting back, and try to bring her back, while Theon focuses on finding Axel.