Page 118 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

“It’s nothing,” she said in a rush. “We should get some sleep.”

She made her way over to the bed, and Axel found himself following. “Do youwantto stay at Arius House?”

“Why does that sound so crazy to you?” she countered, pulling back the blankets.

“Because nobodywantsto stay at Arius House.”

“But that’s where you will be?”

“Me?”

“And Tessa. Theon. Luka,” she added.

He slipped his hands into the pockets of his loose pants. “If my father gets his way, you will be at Arius House, yes.”

She paused. “You sound upset by that.”

“If they can find a way to sever the Source bond, my father wants Theon to take you as his replacement Source.”

“Theon?” she said, whirling to face him.

“Yes.”

“Not…” She trailed off, pressing her lips together.

“You are a powerful fire Fae, Katya,” Axel said. “Of course he’d want you as a Source.”

“It’s a waste of a resource, really,” she scoffed.

His head tilted. “Why do you say that?”

“He’s going to tie the only fire Fae in the kingdom to someone who will drain that power? It’s foolish.”

“I guess that’s logical,” Axel conceded.

“Thank you, by the way.”

His brow furrowed. “For what?”

“You are always straightforward with me. You don’t try to make it sound less than what it is,” she answered.

“You deserve the truth, even if it’s unfavorable.”

She turned, sitting on the edge of the bed. “There are ancient texts in the catacombs on Ekayan Island. If Theon could secure a trip there, we might find more answers on these Marks. Perhaps more answers he is seeking.”

“Theon would do a number of questionable things to go to Ekayan Island,” Axel said, and Kat barked a laugh. “Can I askyou a question?” Kat nodded. “Where do youwantto serve in the Arius Kingdom? Why the Arius House?”

“When I was claimed at the Emerging Ceremony, I didn’t expect to be staying in your personal room,” she answered.

“Okay…” he said, waiting for her to continue.

“I guess I like it here more than I thought I would. Or rather, I like the company more than I thought I would,” she finished.

“It’s understandable to want to stay near those you are comfortable with,” Axel said.

“It’s logical,” she agreed.

“It is.”

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