The Legacy Series, #2
Storm of Secrets and Sorrow
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
21. Axel
Overview
Scarlett scrutinizes Tessa and Theon’s Marks, implying Devram’s four-Mark system deviates from a single Source Mark used elsewhere. She reveals sister goddesses Zinta and Taika and warns Devram’s balance is skewed. Scarlett, bound by oath, departs after confirming mirrors are gateways used at a cost. Later, Axel and Katya investigate Mark lore, confront the political risk of Katya becoming Theon’s Source, and resolve to seek answers on Ekayan Island.
Summary
In tense aftermath, Scarlett and Sorin field questions about lineage and Marks. Scarlett confirms Sorin is her Source with a single unfamiliar Mark, contradicting Devram’s four-Mark system. She examines Tessa’s Arius symbol and emotional Mark, grows alarmed, and clashes with Theon over interference.
Pressed, Scarlett asks who bestows Marks and exposes hidden theology: sister goddesses Zinta and Taika, aligned to Achaz and Arius, respectively. She warns Devram’s balance is tipped, gesturing to Tessa’s Arius symbol. A time-bound pendant forces her departure; she admits a blood-oath Bargain limits her help.
Scarlett demonstrates Chaos, states she can Travel and control mirror gates, and confirms the Underground mirrors are world gateways likely used to bring Tessa to Devram. She stresses power’s cost and leaves with Sorin, after privately whispering to Tessa.
Later, in Axel’s POV, Katya analyzes Marks. She sketches Sorin’s Mark and notes its similarity to Devram’s fourth Source Mark, questioning why Devram requires four. Together they discover the Guardian Mark in a difficult text Cienna provided.
Amid growing attraction, Axel reveals his father may force Theon to take Katya as replacement Source if bonds are severed. Katya calls that a strategic waste and proposes a research trip to Ekayan Island’s catacombs for Mark answers. Axel promises to keep her near, puts on music as they settle, and privately fears he cannot protect her from kingdom politics—or himself.
Who Appears
- AxelNarrator; mediates tensions, later researches Marks with Katya; reveals political risk of her becoming Theon’s Source; vows to keep her close.
- Katya (Kat)Analytical fire Fae; compares Source Marks, identifies Guardian Mark, proposes Ekayan research; shares quiet intimacy with Axel; worries about assignment.
- Scarlett Sutara AdityaWorld Walker; examines Marks, reveals Zinta/Taika balance, confirms mirror gateways and costs; constrained by Bargain oath; departs urgently.
- SorinScarlett’s Source and husband; bears single Source Mark; urges noninterference; departs with Scarlett.
- TessaQuestions her maternal line and Marks; learns her Arius symbol concerns Scarlett; receives a private whisper farewell.
- TheonSkeptical and protective; clashes with Scarlett; provides context on Zinta/Taika and priestesses; potential plan to take Katya as Source revealed.
- LukaPresses for explanations; his family’s survival hints at Taika Legacy’s near eradication.