The Legacy Series, #3
Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance
by Melissa K. Roehrich
Contents
2. Tessa
Overview
Luka claims the Arius seat at the Tribunal, provoking debate over succession and Tessa’s uncertain, escalating power and lineage. Rordan asserts control but is pressed for answers. Tessa rejects containment, secretly guards her Arius heritage, and escapes the proceedings, where Brecken warns her that embracing her destiny carries stakes beyond herself.
Summary
Tessa observes the Tribunal from a loft, recalling her proclaimed freedom from Theon while testing the fear she now inspires. Dex urges her to stay out of politics, but Tessa asserts independence, reflecting on her expanding, hard-to-contain power Rordan encourages her to train.
The ruling Ladies and Lords assemble. Luka Mors arrives late and pointedly takes the Arius seat, announcing Theon and Valter are unavailable and he will represent Arius interests. The Ladies question Axel’s absence and speculate about another heir; the suggestion jolts Tessa, and Luka briefly meets her gaze before challenging traditions about who merits a kingdom seat.
Debate shifts to Tessa. Rordan insists he is stronger and claims partial knowledge of her Achaz maternal lineage, while other rulers press that her powers indicate more. The Anala Lady criticizes Rordan’s slow progress compared to Theon’s. Tessa notes Rordan’s careful half-truths and privately safeguards the secret of her Arius paternal line.
Overheated and exhausted by visions she fears might return if she sleeps, Tessa slips out, portals to an alley to avoid Dex and Oralia, and encounters Brecken smoking lull-leaf. Distrusting him, she declines his offer and deflects talk of Katya’s safety with Axel. Brecken urges her to become who she is meant to be, hinting his freedom depends on it.
Who Appears
- TessaObserves the Tribunal, intimidates rulers, questions lineage talk, hides Arius heritage, portals out, and rebuffs Brecken’s lull-leaf.
- Luka MorsArrives late, occupies the Arius seat, represents Theon, challenges tradition, and redirects scrutiny toward Tessa.
- Rordan (Lord Jove)Achaz Lord managing proceedings, asserts superiority over Tessa, shares limited truths about her lineage.
- DexProtective handler who urges Tessa to stay put; she evades his watch.
- Lady Candra (Celeste Lady)Sneers at Tessa then falters under her display of power; argues tradition on seating.
- Lady Isleen (Serafina Lady)Questions Arius succession, pressing about Axel and the possibility of another heir.
- Lady Aithne (Anala Lady)Probes Tessa’s lineage and criticizes Rordan’s lack of progress.
- Falein LadySuggests Tessa’s powers indicate more than Achaz blood; pushes for clearer answers.
- BreckenMeets Tessa in an alley, offers lull-leaf, hints his freedom depends on her destiny.
- GatlanAnala Heir’s Source; acknowledges Tessa from below.
- DysaniRordan’s Source; stands by during the charged Tribunal session.
- OraliaAssigned Fae attendant Tessa resents; positioned near Dex as Tessa slips away.