The Legacy Series, #2
Storm of Secrets and Sorrow
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
31. Tessa
Overview
Tessa pushes Luka for harder combat training, driven by fear and frustration. Theon publicly removes Mother Cordelia from Tessa’s private instruction, installing Auryon as tutor. Auryon introduces a broader cosmology—Siadrin and the gods’ deliberate selection of mortals—challenging Devram’s narrative and hinting that forces are working to upend the gods’ constraints.
Summary
After a grueling session, Tessa demands Luka continue training her, refusing to stop despite fatigue and poor appetite. She admits fear from recent events and a need to defend herself without relying on others. In transit, they discuss Auryon’s mysterious powers and Luka’s uncertain origins, sharing a moment over the loneliness of being singular.
In group instruction, Mother Cordelia warns Sources their third Mark will open thought-sharing with Masters and admonishes Tessa to control reactions. When class ends, Theon arrives, pointedly replaces Cordelia for Tessa’s private lessons, and asserts authority, promising Luka will monitor and that Auryon must earn Tessa’s trust.
Theon departs for a meeting with the heirs, leaving Tessa with Luka and Auryon in a sparse, cushion-filled room. Tessa recognizes Auryon from an earlier vision. Auryon needles Luka with dragon lore, revealing she has researched him, and redirects focus to Tessa’s education about realms beyond Devram.
Auryon presents texts on Siadrin—the gods’ realm—and corrects the common history: gods did not take mortals out of boredom alone; many carefully selected and loved them. Fearing powerful descendants, the gods forged Devram, later breaking parts of their own accord. Auryon concludes by implying factions now question Devram’s purpose and are working to change it.
Who Appears
- TessaDetermined to train harder; distrustful yet compliant; learns about gods selecting mortals and broader realms from Auryon.
- Luka MorsTrainer and protector; resists overtraining; shows pain when Theon’s darkness rises; teased about dragon nature and caves.
- TheonAssertively removes Mother Cordelia from Tessa’s instruction; insists Auryon earn trust; leaves for a meeting with heirs.
- AuryonNew tutor with smoke-and-ash gifts; teaches cosmology, Siadrin, and gods’ selection of mortals; hints at movements against Devram.
- Mother CordeliaWarns Sources about the third Mark; is publicly dismissed from Tessa’s private instruction and left seething.