6. Theon

Theon hosts Corbin and Lange at the Arius Estate after extracting allies from the Underground, having revoked Cienna’s death order and distrusting Arius House. Razik and Eliza arrive mid-bickering, revealing a charged dynamic. Eliza presses Corbin and Lange about Katya and their relocation, hinting at organized resistance among the Fae.

When Theon links Axel’s captivity to Tessa’s seizure of Arius Lord, Eliza challenges his worldview, implying longstanding injustice predates the Arius–Achaz rift. Corbin carefully signals that allies exist in unexpected places. Seeking leverage, Theon questions Razik and Eliza’s Source bond, learning Eliza chose it for the war’s greater good, not romance, complicating his assumptions about power and choice.

Discussion shifts to Source Marks. Razik notes Devram’s four Marks and recognizes the symbol on Theon’s hand as Achaz’s vengeance, not a Mark. Tristyn arrives with Katya, who thanks Theon for rescinding her transfer and immediately disputes his dismissal of Tessa’s “vengeance” as meaningless, insisting Tessa acts with intention.

Razik senses Auryon, who emerges from smoke when provoked. Theon accuses her of deceit; Auryon retorts she owed him nothing and pursued only Tessa’s trust. Their exchange turns cutting until Auryon reframes the stakes: they must pull Tessa back before they lose her entirely, warning that losing her would unleash “wild and fury” beyond the Arius–Achaz conflict.

Later, sleepless and alone, Theon reaches for Tessa through their bond. She answers with scorn and erotic taunts about another lover, stoking Theon’s jealousy and rage. He shatters a mirror with his fist as Tessa forces him out of the bond, leaving him bleeding and isolated, his control fraying.