The Legacy Series, #3
Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
36. Eviana
Overview
Eviana endures captivity under Valter, masking her growing resolve while stockpiling makeshift weapons. In a candid visit, Tessa shares news and unknowingly arms Eviana, while Eviana reveals Valter once had a Source who died and outlines the Legacy’s debauched Sirana Gala. Eviana relives her grooming and stolen child, calculates fifteen years until the child’s Selection, and commits to killing Valter once his magic is cut.
Summary
Eviana sits in her habitual window chair, the only space she considers hers, and checks the glass shards and hidden items she has stashed as makeshift weapons. Through her bond, Valter complains about his cell and food; Eviana placates him while testing a shard that cuts her palm, imagining using it on his throat, but noting she must first sever his magic.
Tessa arrives for a third visit, bringing pastries, wine, and magically produced glasses. Eviana notes Tessa’s left boots now hidden for her and accepts the quiet gifts. Their conversation reveals Tessa has been visiting a dragon below (Xan), and that Theon claimed Tessa’s friends Lange and Corbin to protect them. Eviana refuses to betray Valter directly but listens and offers carefully chosen truths.
Pressed about Cressida and the wives of Lords, Eviana explains their roles as breeding matches. She identifies Luka’s father as a former Arius advisor and, when Tessa infers Valter’s age from Eviana’s file, reveals Valter had a previous Source who died. Eviana recalls her past: singled out at the Celeste Estate under Mother Cordelia, noticed by Valter at six, groomed for years, given a “trial run” before her Emerging, and delivered to Mansel and Julius the night before—when she submitted, died inside, and later had a child stolen at birth.
Eviana informs Tessa about the Sirana Gala: Sources are auctioned for one night to the highest bidders, fueling alliances and coin, and match contracts are announced. Tessa is outraged; Eviana is pragmatic, insisting no Legacy are good, only self-justifying. Tessa offers to bring more items; Eviana neither encourages nor refuses, recognizing the utility of these visits.
After Tessa leaves, Eviana hides one of Tessa’s sharp hair combs and uses the other, acknowledging Tessa’s cunning. She recalls Valter’s trip to the Serafina Estate three years ago and, knowing Tessa was there, pieces together a timeline: fifteen years until her child’s Selection Year. She reaffirms her purpose—to outlive Valter, ensure the child’s safety from Legacy hands, and, when free and his magic is cut, to leave a trail of blood and wrath behind.
Who Appears
- EvianaValter’s Source, imprisoned; hides weapons, shares selective truths, reveals Valter’s prior Source died, recalls abuse and stolen child, vows to kill Valter.
- TessaVisits Eviana with wine and pastries, leaves useful items, discusses dragons, friends Lange and Corbin, and learns about the Sirana Gala.
- ValterBonded Lord of Arius; complains from his cell, controls and abuses Eviana; target of her planned assassination once his magic is cut.
- CressidaSubject of Tessa’s inquiry; referenced as a breeding-match wife within Arius House.
- XanDragon imprisoned below; Tessa’s visits to him help her maneuver around guards.