Page 153 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Two more days.

That’s what she found herself thinking.

Two more days, and she could go?—

Tessa sucked in a sharp breath. That wasn’t home.

Hewasn’t home.

She jolted at the sound of the door, spinning around to find Lord Jove and a female striding in, Dysani a step behind.

The new female was hauntingly beautiful. Tall and willowy, she had pale skin and raven hair that was braided into a simple plait over her shoulder, strands of something gold woven into it. Her gold gown swished on the floor as she moved, and the gold bangles on her wrists clinked lightly with every step. Bright violet eyes landed on her, and a smile curled on her lips.

A priestess.

Instinctively, Tessa shrank back as they came to a stop in front of them. Dex bowed deeply, which she probably should have done too, but it was suddenly far too difficult to breathe again.

“Good morning, Tessa,” Rordan said warmly, extending a glass of water to her. “I was told you requested something to drink.”

She swallowed thickly, her throat too dry, taking the glass from him with a trembling hand.

“Thank you, my Lord,” she whispered, her power flickering again as if in warning.

Rordan only smiled.

“Let me introduce you to Elowyn,” he said, gesturing to the priestess.

“The Source who is not Fae,” Elowyn said, her voice as melodic as any other priestess. “I’ve heard much about you.”

Tessa smiled weakly.

Elowyn’s lips turned down in a small frown. “You are anxious. That is understandable.”

She said nothing, and Dex reached to take the glass of water from her. She hadn’t taken a single sip.

“Elowyn is the Head Priestess here in Faven,” Rordan said. “While she works mainly for the Achaz Kingdom, she is the most powerful of the Zinta line and is often consulted by all the kingdoms on matters that pertain to the entire realm.”

“Like me,” Tessa said warily.

“This is nothing to be concerned with, my dear,” he went on, reaching around Dex to take her hand and tug her forward.

“With all due respect, my Lord, you are wrong.”

He chuckled softly. “I understand the trepidation. Past assessments were undoubtedly uncomfortable.”

“And this will not be?” she asked as he led her to a sofa.

“Not as it was before,” he replied, guiding her to take a seat.

What did that mean?

“Your previous assessments were attempts to assess what element you would emerge with,” Elowyn said. “Knowing what we know now, we can adjust our methods to make this more comfortable for you.”

“You’ll be fine, Tessie,” Dex said, a hint of irritation in his tone. “It’s not like you’re by yourself like we were for the assessments at the estate.”

“Right,” she murmured, her knee beginning to bounce. She glanced up at Rordan. “Will I be able to speak with Theon afterwards?”

“Of course, my dear,” he answered. “I know the bond will be a comfort for you.”

---