Page 95 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

But the person with the mask was almost out of the room, and if this Augury society was real, they would have answers. Answers she needed.

“I need to go,” Tessa muttered, shoving past Dex.

“Go? Go where?” he asked in disbelief. “Is this because of Theon?”

“No,” she said quickly, although she probably should go find Theon. But that just gave the masked person more time to get away. “I need to use the bathroom.”

“I’ll go with you,” Oralia immediately cut in.

“No,” Tessa replied, already walking away and slipping between a group of people.

“Tessa!” Dex called after her, but she knew he’d let her go. He wouldn’t want to—What had he said? Avoid making a scene as she so often did.

It took her a few minutes to make her way through the crowds of Fae and Legacy, but she finally pushed through the same doors the masked person had been headed towards. Of course, she found the space completely empty, but she recognized the hallway. It was the same one Theon had found her with a bar of chocolate in, which meant there were a few alcoves here.

Getting Theon or Luka would be a really good idea right now. She knew that. But it was also quiet out here. She could breathe.

Her power stirred again, once more restless and demanding, and gods, she just wanted to scream. This entire night had been one big, uncomfortable mess. Maybe she could find her way back to that balcony Luka had found her on when she’d crawled out a bathroom window.

A flicker of concern down the bond reminded her she should go find Theon. She just needed another minute before she went back into the crowded great room. She focused on keeping their connection blocked just a little longer. He’d come find her soon enough. Maybe she’d just wait for him here. She’d already made a mess of the evening. She shouldn’t have even come down here, but she’d been looking for?—

“You look like you need some air, fury.”

She spun, finding Tristyn standing there in a navy suit. A plain navy mask covered his eyes, and his brown hair was styledas immaculately as Theon’s. And why wouldn’t it be? He was an elite Legacy that seemed to hold nearly as much power and sway in matters as the ruling families.

But where had he come from?

“Were you following me?” she demanded.

His lips tilted into that playful grin she knew a little too well as he held up anagaveheartbottle. “Not at all. Just waiting for you.”

Her eyes narrowed, very aware of how he’d conveniently shown up at this exact moment. “How long have you been out here?”

That grin faltered, concern taking its place. “Are you all right, Tessa?”

“Have you been out here a while? Did you see someone else…”

He studied her for a moment before saying, “I saw you come out here from across the room. It took me a few minutes to extract myself from the festivities inside.”

She nodded mutely, her power flaring once again. As if he sensed it, his gaze dropped to her hands that were curled into fists at her sides. His mouth pressed into a thin line, clear disapproval lining his features.

“You need some air,” he said again.

“I was just going to find Theon.”

“Probably not a good idea to go back in there quite yet,” Tristyn said.

He had a point, and Theon was already going to be in a mood now anyway.

She shrugged. “I could use some air. And a drink of that.”

That grin returned, but the concern lingered as he passed the bottle to her. “This way, fury.”

She followed him around a corner, and he pushed open a door. The double doors across the room led to a balcony, andshe was striding through them before Tris had even finished closing the door behind them. The night air was cool against her face, and she tipped her head back, taking in a deep breath. Her power rattled her soul again, and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why. Lightning flashed. Thunder rumbled in the distance. She wasn’t angry or sad or feeling anything really. Frustrated with everything, sure, but this was restlessness. Her power surged again, wild and out of control, and light flared at her fingertips. Glancing up quickly, she was grateful to find Tristyn staring out over the balcony, a roll of lull-leaf between his lips. He clearly hadn’t noticed her power breaking through the bands.

Slipping her shoes off, Tessa sank to the ground against the railing. She pulled the mask off, setting it aside and taking a pull from the liquor bottle before handing it back to Tristyn.

“Need to talk about it?” he asked.

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