Page 207 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

“I didn’t even know there was a game on tonight,” Tessa admitted, stepping back a little from Corbin.

Lange sucked in a dramatic gasp. “But the Whirlwinds are playing.”

“I’ve been…busy.”

“We know, Tess,” Corbin said. “Lange is just being an ass, as usual.”

She gave him a weak smile, and Lange’s entire demeanor immediately changed. “Tess, I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m sorry. I know it’s been a rough few months for you.”

“Can we maybe move this reunion to the kitchen or something? So Kat and I can get out of the foyer?” Axel called from behind them.

“Sorry,” Tessa muttered.

They all made their way to the kitchen, where she hopped onto an island stool, Kat doing the same. Axel had stayed back to talk with Theon and Luka for a moment.

“You can sit,” Tessa said to Lange and Corbin, where they stood stiffly near the wall.

“We’re good,” Corbin said tightly, and she understood the hesitation. Katya had been the same.

“Actually, we’re not good,” Lange said, his voice hushed as he stepped closer. “What’s going on, Tessa? Why were we claimed today?”

“You’re powerful?” she suggested.

“Tess,” Corbin said with a knowing look.

She swallowed, glancing at Kat, who only shrugged. The female wasn’t about to spill any secrets, but Tessa didn’t really have anything to lose anymore.

“We found some information that suggested you may be more than Fae,” she said.

“Come again?” Lange asked, his brows shooting up.

“It’s complicated, and it’s a lot to take in,” she said before launching into a brief explanation of why they thought this might be the case.

“He claimed Corbin because of Tessa,” Kat chimed in at the end.

“What?” Corbin asked, looking at Tessa for an explanation.

“Theon mentioned possibly claiming Lange, and I…requested that he claim you as well.”

“She didn’t want the two of you split up,” Kat added.

“It’s not a big deal,” Tessa said, glancing at the doorway. What was taking them so long?

“It’s not a… Tessa, it’s a big deal,” Lange said.

“But so is this idea about Mother Cordelia and powerful Fae coming from the Celeste Estate,” Corbin cut in.

“It’s just a theory,” Tessa said.

“I’d say it’s a pretty sound one considering Brecken and Oralia were claimed by Achaz Kingdom while we were being given our kingdom markings.”

The sharp look from Mother Cordelia made her stop bouncing her knee. The Estate Mother had been…tolerant of her since Auryon had taken over her private lessons. Tessa still sat by herself, but for the most part, she was ignored by everyone. More than that, the Estate Mother still insisted Tessa wear these ridiculous bands during the lessons which were the cause of her current restlessness.

Well, that and the third Mark was taking place tomorrow.

“You are being dismissed early today so you can prepare for tomorrow’s Marking,” Mother Cordelia was saying, and that had Tessa’s attention snapping back to her. Did Luka know that? He always picked her up and stayed with her while she was with Auryon.

He took these fucking bands off her wrists.

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