Page 219 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

“I think it’stheSource Mark,” Kat said. “Scarlett was insistent there was only one. If it’s this one, it’s nearly identical to the final Source Mark given on the spring equinox.”

“But not an exact match,” Axel clarified.

Kat shook her head, black ringlets bouncing as she pulled him over to the coffee table. Grabbing another book, she said, “This is the final Source Mark.”

Axel studied the two Marks. She wasn’t wrong. They were very similar. With a sigh, he said, “Theon has a theory that the Guardian Mark was somehow incorporated into the final Source Mark.”

“I thought only Sargon descendants could be Guardians?”

“That’s correct, but Theon thinks people have tried to emulate it over the centuries. His whole theory is that advanced worlds, like Devram, figured out a way to merge Marks.”

“That’s dangerous,” Katya said with a frown. “If Marks aren’t drawn precisely, their entire purpose changes.”

“I think that’s kind of the point. If Theon is right, they wanted the Source Mark to be more than that. Incorporating the Guardian Mark drives the Source to protect and give their lives for their Master,” Axel said.

“But then what is the purpose of the other three Marks?”

“What?” he asked in confusion.

“If the fourth Mark is the actual Source Mark somehow combined with elements of the Guardian Mark, then what is the purpose of the other three Marks?”

“You know the purpose of them. Physical presence. Emotional connection. Being able to hear each other’s thoughts,” Axel said, still confused.

“But if the purpose of the Source Marks is to draw power, why the other three? Why not just use this one? Why this grand spectacle of four different marks drawn out over the course of months when the desired outcome could be achieved withoneMark?” Kat said.

“I…don’t know,” he answered.

“And more than that, is a Fae even a Source without the final Mark?”

“Katya, it sounds like… Are you saying that a Source bond might not be in place until the final Mark is given? That, essentially, there is no bond for Theon to break right now?” Axel asked.

Bright amber eyes met his. “I think so? I mean, there’s obviously some purpose to the other three Marks, and there is clearly a bond between him and Tessa. But an actual Source bond?”

Axel snapped the books shut. “Get dressed, kitten. We need to go find Theon.”

Her hand firmly in his, Axel tried to be mindful of his long strides as he led her through the Pantheon. Luka, Theon, and Tessa had left earlier in the day. Theon had left a message about wanting to spend more time in the Pantheon archives in the final hours before facing the Lords and Ladies again.

“Axel,” Kat hissed.

“I know. I’m sorry,” he said. He slowed, but within moments, he was back to his original pace.

“Axel,” she hissed again, tugging on his hand. “I can’t move this fast in heels.”

“Tessa complains about them too,” he said, turning to her. “Take them off.”

“What?”

“Take them off. I’ll carry them. Tessa goes barefoot all the time,” he said, motioning to her feet.

“Tessa is a… She’s not a Fae,” Kat protested.

“Just take them off so we can move faster,” Axel said, gesturing at her shoes again.

With a small huff, she slipped the black heels off, bending to scoop them off the ground. Axel immediately took them from her. She had Cienna’s book with her, and she tucked it under her arm as she gathered the material of the black dress in her hand so it wouldn’t drag as they moved.

They started off down the hall again, heading for the stairs that would take them to the archives. Theon hadn’t answered hiscall, but they also weren’t supposed to use technology inside the Pantheon.

Entering the stairwell, Axel nearly collided with someone stepping off the stairs. Katya skidded to a halt, bumping into his back, and he instinctively reached to keep her there.

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