18. Tessa

Rordan portals Tessa, Dagian, Dex, Brecken, Oralia, and Sasha to Rosebell, stopping short of the Sirana Villas due to wards. At the gold-inlaid gates, Dagian warns the symbols are enchanted, and everyone dons rose-gold rings that shield them from Sirana’s pervasive lustful influence. Tessa resists until a bond-growled warning pushes her to comply.

They traverse into the Dreamlock Woods to a courtyard ringed by villas and a grand manor. Desiray, overseer of the Villas and Rosebell, greets them. Rordan introduces Tessa and, to Tessa’s alarm, entertains talk of a future Match contract. Desiray’s daughter, Larissa, leads a tour while Rordan attends business.

Outside, Tessa demands entry into a villa. Dex urges restraint, but Tessa asserts independence and strides inside. She finds a dark, opulent brothel with stages, curtained rooms, and Legacy patrons selecting Fae and mortals. To avoid suspicion, she books a private room with Brecken’s help, projecting cold authority.

In private, Brecken confirms the Villas serve Legacy desires; Fae are assigned to the Sirana bloodline, some Legacy forgo the rings for stronger thrills, and a third level houses those trying to conceive or already pregnant. Tessa’s anger crests at the systemic exploitation and eugenic design.

Brecken reveals a hidden passage behind a rose vase, leading to underground tunnels connecting to another villa beyond the manor. He challenges Tessa to face her fear of confinement and seize her freedom. As he slips into the passage, Tessa—still boiling with purpose—prepares to follow, intent on action beyond the sanctioned tour.