17. Tessa

Tessa awakens in Theon’s rooms at Arius House, disoriented by a conflicted bond that is oddly content despite Theon’s absence. Luka, who has been watching over her, keeps her from overexerting and confirms the healer’s prognosis. Testing her recovery, Tessa finds her stab wound visibly healed yet still painfully tender due to the Legacy‑killing blade used.

In the bathroom, Luka helps her into a bath, their charged but careful proximity underscoring a growing trust. Tessa admits she fought to live because she didn’t want to die underground and because of Luka’s words. She vows never to feel defenseless again, and Luka commits to helping her learn to fight.

Afterward, in the sitting room with Katya, Theon and Axel arrive. Theon rushes to Tessa, shaken that he has been unable to feel anything through their bond. Luka verifies her wounds have healed and identifies Gia as the healer. As Axel and Katya quietly study together, Tessa notices their comfortable rapport.

Conversation turns to Tessa’s possible weather influence after earlier indoor rain, prompting her to wonder if she can make it snow. Tessa states she must eventually go to the Achaz Kingdom; Theon resists immediate departure, citing their return to the Acropolis and the impending Samhain Feast with an assessment to follow.

Tessa voices fear of facing the Achaz alone, and Theon, pained but helpless, withdraws to shower. He mentions Valter was placated by a prior meeting, sparing them a formal dinner. Left with her thoughts, Tessa questions the bond’s shifts and her growing reliance, deciding that simply waking was brave enough for now.