12. Luka

Luka calls Theon at night, requesting Theon’s black onyx ring to honor a bargain Luka made with the Achaz Lord so he can remain near Tessa. Theon, wary and unable to share details over the phone, agrees to send the ring. They review Luka’s other terms—answering bloodline questions and not killing the Achaz Lord—and Theon orders Luka to stay one more week despite Luka’s frustration and the strain of their Guardian bond.

Later, Tessa portals into Luka’s room, restless and wearing an oversized sweatshirt, clutching one of his shirts that no longer smells like him. She asks for another shirt and to sleep in his bed. Luka refuses because she has skipped training and avoided him. Their argument escalates: Luka accuses Tessa of becoming the kind of monster she opposes and of sacrificing Axel; Tessa counters that Luka only cares because it’s Axel.

Tessa’s power flares—she hovers, eyes violet and gold ash drifting—while Luka challenges her fatalism about destiny. Drawn together, Luka kisses Tessa; she responds, but when he asks again to train her, she refuses. Luka denies her the bed; Tessa rejects the shirt and portals away.

Immediately, Luka is pulled into a vivid vision in the Pantheon lounge before a Selection Ceremony. The ruling families assemble: Theon is clearly Lord, Felicity is pregnant, and Tessa sits with a silver wolf, wearing six power‑blocking rings. Felicity and Tessa trade barbs; Theon’s darkness surfaces; an Anala Lady rebukes Felicity. Rordan confirms “arrangements,” and the others depart.

Alone with Luka’s unseen presence, Tessa curls into herself, tracing patterns and murmuring lyrics—habits from past confinement. Luka approaches; Tessa says recent dreams feel different since she left. As they speak, the wolf bristles and a female voice snaps “You again?” The vision yanks Luka out.