26. Theon

Theon takes a Tribunal seat amid empty galleries, recalling how he unleashed his darkness at the Wynfell River until its waters turned black. He arrives alone—Axel gone—and faces Rordan and the assembled Ladies. Theon blames Achaz oversight for the Sirana Villas massacre, provoking tense silence and visible power.

The rulers press whether Tessa caused the devastation. Rordan admits to bringing Tessa to the Villas, calling it a miscalculation; others suggest she be confined or eliminated. Debate shifts to Theon’s eligibility as Arius Lord while still bonded to Tessa; without proof of Valter’s death and with the Source bond intact, they stall his confirmation.

Old rivalries flare. Theon accuses the rulers of angling against Arius; Rordan lashes back, and the room seethes. Practical matters resume: they will hold the Sirana Gala as a public reassurance and discuss appointing a new Rosebell leader. For the missing Fae, they will engage priestesses and, controversially, Shifters, despite control concerns.

Barbs escalate into an exchange of power between Rordan and Theon before Kyra’s fire halts them. The group demands weekly updates on the missing Fae. On Tessa, several argue she was steadier with Theon; after contention, they grant Rordan one last chance to manage her, with confinement promised after any further death or crisis.

As the meeting ends, Theon considers using Luka to reach Tessa before the gala complicates matters. He corners Kyra about visiting Anala and the fire Estate; she refuses shortcuts but hints that gaining the Shifter Prince’s trust reveals a hidden route into Anala, then departs through flame.