36. Luka

Luka faces Theon, who shields Tessa and demands answers. Luka reveals he has been able to Travel since his gifts manifested at eleven, first using it amid abuse at a training camp, accidentally killing a trainer and subsequently being weaponized by Valter. He kept it secret to avoid becoming more of a target and to prevent it being used against them.

Theon accuses Luka of endangering plans and of coveting Tessa. Luka counters that Theon’s Selection of Tessa shattered any plan and that Tessa, wild and untamable, was never meant to submit. They argue about the bond: Luka admits he feels Tessa through the second Mark and a Tracking Mark, has resisted its pull, and believes her second Mark is anomalous and poorly understood.

Deciding to hear Tessa’s account, they join the others. Bloodied but steady, Tessa recounts being dismissed early, Cordelia’s betrayal, the Augury’s attack, and Auryon’s rescue with wolves. She demonstrates sending a magic message to Auryon, proposing to request a book for Solstice. Despite Theon’s frustration, the group shifts to mundane normalcy—pizza and a Chaosphere game—while bracing for Tessa’s third Mark.

Back upstairs, Theon presses Luka about Auryon’s teachings; Luka claims it is Devram’s history as requested. Tessa confronts them about knowing Luka was tied to the bond since Faven. She practices mental shielding, withholding her feelings, highlighting her resentment at being kept in the dark.

That night, all three share Luka’s bed as a fragile sign of unity. Theon warns they cannot be on opposite sides; Luka agrees. Their private doubts linger, but they accept a wary ceasefire to protect Tessa and prepare for what the third Mark and Solstice may bring.