Page 107 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

“What do you mean?” Axel asked.

“Like a fire message or a water message.” Scarlett flicked her wrist and a burst of white flames appeared beside Tessa’s head. “Reach up and grab the paper out of it.”

“Just…reach into the fire?” Tessa asked tentatively.

“It won’t burn you. Not unless I want it to.” She flashed her a grin, and Tessa wasn’t entirely sure how a smile could be that unnerving.

“No,” Theon ordered, but Tessa was already lifting her hand and dipping her fingers into the flames. She couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped her as she plucked a small piece of paper from them. She unfolded it and barked a laugh.

Is the Lordling always so petulant?

She handed the paper to Theon, who read it quickly, then glared at Scarlett.

“Right then,” Scarlett announced, dropping the phone back to the side table with a loud clatter.

“Those are expensive,” Theon snarled, swiping it up and examining it, presumably looking for damage.

“I thought you were a lordling or whatever?” Scarlett said.

“I am the Heir of the Arius Kingdom,” Theon snapped.

“Well, then,Heir of the Arius Kingdom,” she drawled. “Buy a new one. Or better yet, learn to use your magic properly.”

“I know how to use my magic properly.”

“Clearly,” Scarlett deadpanned.

And Tessa could only look back and forth between the two.

“Love, perhaps you can stop antagonizing him?” Sorin said, his mouth twitching when she sent him an irritated look. “I know it goes against your nature.” She slowly lifted her middle finger. “Always so queenly.”

“Gods, Sorin,” she said with an exaggerated sigh. “You’ve been especially annoying today with the constant fate reminders. I know it goes againstyournature, but could you please stop being such a mother hen?”

“I have a question,” Axel announced, all attention landing on him. “Did Theon really save you from death in a mirror?”

“That’s absurd,” Scarlett scoffed. “He definitely did not save me.”

“It happened,” Theon snarled. “A female attacked you.”

“You’re going to have to be more specific. That used to happen quite frequently.”

Theon raked a hand through his hair, and Tessa could feel his agitation down the bond. To be honest, she was surprised he hadn’t lost it completely when Scarlett had called him ‘lordling.’

“It was a stone chamber. You were dressed like that,” he said, gesturing to her attire of a black suit of some sort. It reminded Tessa of the way Cienna dressed. “A female wearing a black cloak or hood or something was sneaking up behind you with some sort of curved blade, and I warned you.”

“I think I would remember you saving me,” Scarlett said.

“I saw you in a mirror,” Theon insisted.

“Oh, that?” Scarlett said with a laugh. “That was my sister. You definitely did not save me.”

“Your sister,” Theon repeated.

“Mhmm.”

“Your sister tried to kill you?” Luka asked dubiously.

“Yes and no. It’s a long story, and one my other sister would be upset if I told you,” Scarlett answered. “But moving on, I did not come here to discuss any of that with you. Tell me, just how far down the Arius line are you?”

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