Page 165 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

“What makes you believe you are qualified to be her private instructor?”

“That depends on what you need her to be instructed in,” the female answered, and she stood so still. The only thing that moved was her raven-black hair as smoke from the fire drifted through it.

And her eyes.

Those never stopped swirling.

“She needs to know everything about Devram, including the history and teachings not taught to the Fae,” Theon answered.

Auryon tsked. “She needs to know how to play the underhanded games of kings and queens.”

“She does,” Theon agreed. “But she needs to learn how Devram truly works first. Not the pretty picture painted for the mortals, Fae, and common Legacy.”

“From what I’ve gathered, she already knows that.”

“She needs to be taught control. That knowledge will mean nothing if she can’t wield it at the proper time,” Theon went on.

“Agreed.”

His brow arched. “And you believe you can teach her such a thing?”

Auryon smiled again. This time it was all predatory and made the hair on the back of his neck stand up and his darkness tense.

“I believe she needs not only an instructor, but someone who can protect her as well. I’ve already proven I can do one of those things,” she answered, ashes swirling as she lifted her hand and an arrow appeared between her fingers.

“But you are not a Legacy,” Theon said.

“Not in the same way you are, I suppose,” she agreed, twirling that arrow between her fingers.

“And your gifts?” Luka demanded.

“I can move among smoke and ashes, among other things.”

“Other things,” he repeated flatly.

“Killing types of things.”

Theon had already seen that, and as much as he hated it, he’d done a shit job of protecting Tessa. How many times had she been attacked since he’d claimed her?

“Fine,” Theon said before Luka could voice another question. “A trial run.”

“What?” Luka demanded, rounding on him. “You, who won’t leave her with anyone, are going to let a random stranger become her tutor? We don’t even know what she can do.”

“I saw plenty of what she can do,” Theon said. “And she won’t be alone. You’ll be there with them.”

“Repeat that,” Luka said, his tone low and cold.

“You’re right,” Theon said. “I won’t leave Tessa alone with someone we just met, especiallyknowingwhat she can do. So you can be with them.” Turning back to Auryon, he said, “She returns in two days. Leave your contact information, and we’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll be around,” the female said with that dark curl of her lips.

“But be aware,” Theon added as she took a step towards the door. “If Tessa expresses any concerns about you… Well, let’s just say it is not only my trust you need to earn.”

Auryon said nothing else, her bare feet leaving ashy footprints behind as she left the room. Luka followed her out, making sure she truly left, and Theon sank onto the sofa. His head fell into his hands, and he let out a frustrated sigh.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he flipped it over. He’d missed her call tonight. He’d felt his phone vibrating while he’d been guiding Katya out of the Pantheon and keeping her away from Axel, but he hadn’t wanted to risk answering it. Axel would never forgive himself if he hurt Katya. Despite knowing it was a terrible idea, his brother had developed feelings for the female, and that was now yet another thing they’d need to navigate.

But Theon knew there would not be another call tonight.

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