23. Axel

On the drive home after Katya’s successful exams, tensions simmer among Axel, Theon, and Luka. Theon quizzes Katya about fellow Fae Corbin and Lange, searching for connections. Axel, craving blood with rations overdue, grows volatile. At the house, he discovers the pantry empty; Ford reports Valter will deliver rations later, a calculated power play that forces Axel to wait.

Alone upstairs trying to ride out withdrawal, Axel is surprised when Valter arrives with Eviana. Valter notes Katya’s newfound freedom from her bands and implies she and Theon seemed close. He declares Katya a valuable asset to be leveraged for deals before Theon bonds her, then confronts Axel about rumors of attachment. Axel denies feelings and frames his vigilance as strategic, but Valter pointedly reminds him the rations could be withheld further, cementing the threat.

After Valter departs, Axel finally drinks, shaken by both withdrawal and the implied ultimatum. Theon offers to share his ration and urges honesty. Axel denies sleeping with Katya but admits caring for her, recognizing the danger if Valter discovers it. Theon warns him to be cautious, recalling past tragedies, and promises to help stall their father’s plans.

Axel returns to his room where Katya, calm and observant, offers comfort and even her blood. Axel refuses, then snaps at the thought of her donating to other Legacies, revealing possessiveness he can’t explain. They argue about whether Axel is a “good person,” with Katya pointing to his small kindnesses and restraint. To defuse his mood, she coaxes him into sharing the bed; they lie down together without sex, a fragile truce that deepens intimacy while increasing the risk of Valter’s reprisal.