25. Theon

Unable to sleep while Tessa remains in Faven, Theon researches her origins with Axel, Katya, and Luka. They debate Tessa’s mixed lineage and the Celeste Estate’s uncanny record of producing powerful Fae. Katya hints Cordelia played favorites and that Tessa was targeted, prompting Theon to press for specifics.

Katya reveals Cordelia manipulated Tessa into losing control, then punished her as “training,” including withholding food and confining her. She cites rumors of a deadly incident and suggests file tampering if Cordelia knew what Tessa was. During a tense call, Tessa gives few details, admits sleeplessness and recurring nightmares of Theon killing her, and deflects to speak with Luka.

Afterward, Luka admits he has felt Tessa’s emotions since her last Source Mark, a repercussion linking him to their bond. Luka then shows Theon the Lilura Inquest logo on Tessa’s files, implying high-level data manipulation. Theon confronts Tristyn Blackheart at Lilura, threatening exposure, and strikes a bargain: Cordelia information in exchange for Tristyn’s one-day, unaccompanied trip to the Underground.

Tristyn delivers encrypted data, notes wolves appearing in the magic-steeped Dreamlock Woods as “hers,” and ominously warns Theon not to threaten him again. On a later call, Tessa again asks for Luka about training matters, then tells Theon she dreamed of Felicity. Theon realizes Tessa may suspect his Match contract, and Felicity’s call immediately after confirms looming personal fallout.