The Legacy Series, #2
Storm of Secrets and Sorrow
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
24. Tessa
Overview
Tessa arrives at Achaz House in Faven and meets Lord Jove, who reassures her, provides a book of Marks, and promises proper training and later testing. Her magic feels calmer without bands. That night, Tessa and Dex argue about Theon and control, exposing widening rifts. Dex vows to "fix" things, while Tessa resolves to survive by bargaining if needed.
Summary
Tessa arrives at Achaz House in Faven, uneasy about protocol and her identity, noting her magic feels steadier without bands. In a stark white salon, Lord Jove enters and gently corrects her attempts to kneel or bow, offering tea and calm conversation focused on her studies and well-being.
Lord Jove confirms she has lacked real instruction and promises training this week, with testing later. He summons an old book containing Marks and fundamentals, urging her to keep it and learn, asserting that powerful wielders—priestess or not—can perform Marks. He hints her future in Devram is hers to choose.
Later, in her guest room, Dex visits. He points out differences between Faven and Arius and presses Tessa about her distance since the Selection. Their talk escalates: Dex blames her for leaving the hall the night Theon Selected her, questions Axel’s intentions, and derides Arius’s control. Tessa defends her choices, asserts she understands the risks, and admits she knows how to manage herself better in Arius.
A wolf’s distant howl punctuates the tension. Dex, frustrated, embraces Tessa, but the comfort pales next to what she feels for Theon. Tessa acknowledges the chaos and loneliness; Dex vows to fix things and condemns Theon as manipulative. She counters that she isn’t trying to change Theon, only to survive—even if that means bargaining with a villain. After Dex leaves, Tessa lies awake, unsettled by Lord Jove’s assurances, Dex’s promises, and her own uncertainty.
Who Appears
- TessaProtagonist; meets Lord Jove in Faven, receives a Marks book, and later clashes with Dex over trust, control, and survival.
- Lord Jove (Rordan)Achaz Lord; cordial host who offers tea, promises training and later testing, and gives Tessa a book of Marks.
- DexTessa’s friend; granted unusual access in Achaz House. Argues about Theon and Arius, then vows to fix things.
- DysaniHouse staff; brings sandwiches and tea box, assists Lord Jove during Tessa’s meeting.