Page 225 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

And then she was burying her face in her arms as dark power poured into her. Theon’s hand was clamped firmly to the back of her neck. He’d done it differently this time. Instead of giving her a minute to prepare, he’d more or less attacked, clearly hoping to catch her magic by surprise.

That was his mistake.

Her light sank into his darkness, crackling through it. Gold mist and violet sparks battled against inky pools of midnight.

“Tessa, look at me,” Luka was urging, trying to tip her head back up. “Look at me, little one.”

She sucked in a gasping breath as Theon’s power attacked again and again, barely managing to lift her head.

“That’s my girl,” Luka said gruffly, his large palm cupping her cheek. “It’s not going to work, is it?”

She knew what he was asking, and Tessa shook her head. “I need—” But she just shook her head again, unable to think around the pain.

Theon was grunting with effort as her power wrapped tighter around his darkness. He would lose. There was no doubt about it. Even if she’d wanted to submit to him and his power, she couldn’t. Her magic wouldn’t let her.

Until black flames were flaring around his darkness, drawing her light to it. Her magic didn’t know which way to go, who to follow, who to attack. It had been like this with the last Mark when Luka’s power had suddenly appeared. Her magic had been startled then; now it almost seemed enraptured.

Golden threads wound around both their powers, drawing it together. She could feel both of them, their determination strong down the bond, but she could also?—

Come on, Tessa. Give in.

That was Theon’s voice in her head.

Her entire body shuddered at the sensation, her power doing the same.

Let go, little one. You don’t have to fight back here.

Luka’s deep rumble sounded, his glowing eyes still on hers.

More darkness.

More flames.

Her light delighted in it all.

Let us fight for you,came Luka’s growl again.

Her entire being faltered at those words, her gasping breath getting caught in her throat. Theon and Luka took advantage, both of their power barreling down on her in unison. The black, gold, and silvery-blue cords flared, illuminating the low-lit room. She felt them settle into her soul like the others.

The males both sat back, breathing heavily, and she already knew she’d be vomiting within minutes.

A bowl.

“I’ll get it,” Luka said, pushing to his feet.

Fuck.

Her shields.

They could?—

“Take a minute before you shut us out,” Theon said, running a hand up and down her back. She was still lying on her stomach, and his touch was soothing.

To the bond.

Not her.

Definitely not to her.

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