Page 204 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

Three years ago, Valter had gone to the Serafina Estate and left her behind.

When Tessa had told her that was whereshewas, the pieces had all clicked into place.

Fifteen years.

That was how long she had before her Selection Year. To most immortals, fifteen years were nothing, but her immortal life suddenly had a countdown.

And she’d be damned if she crossed the Veil before Valter did.

She’d be damned if she crossed the Veil before that child was safe from any Legacy.

Because there were no good Legacy in Devram. Only those who tried to justify their transgressions and balance them out with the occasional, almost decent, deed. She had no such compunction. Whenever she found freedom, she’d leave more than a blood trail in her wake.

She’d leave her wrath.

37

THEON

“What’s our story about Axel?” Luka asked as they strode up the stairs of the Pantheon to the Grand Hall where the Sirana Gala was being held.

“Same as the Selection Opening, I suppose,” Theon answered, adjusting his bowtie. This was one of the few events that he wore a tuxedo for. The Sirana Gala and Match Ceremonies. That was about it. Selection events only required a suit, and that was his everyday attire.

“Don’t you think we should vary the story a little?” Luka asked as they reached the third floor, the throng of people milling about becoming thicker.

“Saying he is taking care of some matters in the Underground is plausible,” Theon argued. “And if we’re keeping up appearances, it fits the best.”

Keeping up appearances.

That was what they were doing now. It was why Luka was at his side. It was why they’d be meeting his mother inside the hall at their designated table, and it was why he stopped to register for an auction number before he entered the hall. He’d never once bid on anything being offered, but again, theyneeded to keep up appearances. He’d have to bid onsomethingto contribute to the new Sirana Villas, which is what the Gala was always for. Funds collected went to supporting the Villas, and this year, they needed more funds than ever to rebuild after Tessa’sallegeddestruction. He didn’t give two fucks if the Sirana Villas were rebuilt. He just wanted the people in his kingdom to live in peace. If that meant keeping up appearances and forging advantageous alliances, then that was what he would do.

He and Luka wove their way through the crowd, people parting for an heir. They were handed flutes of champagne along the way. Theon hated the stuff, but he took a drink anyway. Tradition and all that. The tables were always arranged the same, but when the round table with seating for eight came into view, he paused, and his eyes narrowed. He knew his mother would be here. That was a given. What he was not expecting was to see Felicity Davers seated at their table, chatting casually with her.

That scene had him knocking back the entire flute of champagne. He signaled for a Fae waiter to bring him whiskey instead, Luka taking the empty flute from him and passing them off to another waiter.

“What the fuck is she doing here?” Theon hissed.

“Sheisyour Match. The contract still stands,” Luka supplied. “She didn’t say anything to you about this?”

She probably would have if he ever took her calls.

His mother spotted him then, her smile wide. Felicity looked up, smiling as well, and Theon clenched his jaw. There was no denying she was beautiful. Her shiny brown hair was pulled up in an elegant twist, her brown eyes sweeping over him. She wore a classy black and silver gown. Arius Kingdom colors. She looked every part the Match of the Arius Heir, and once again, he had to keep up appearances.

He closed the distance to their table just as the waiter brought his new glass of liquor. Glass in one hand, he bent to kiss Cressida on the cheek.

“Mother,” he greeted tightly before turning to his Match. “Miss Davers.”

“Felicity is more than fine, your grace,” Felicity said as she stood and bowed to Theon.

He smiled tightly, leaning in to press a small kiss to her cheek as she stood.

“I know you have been so busy these last weeks with your father absent,” she said softly, waiting to reclaim her seat until Theon had taken his. “Has there been any luck in locating him or your brother?”

“No,” he answered sharply.

“If there is anything I can do to help, you know to simply say the word, right?” Felicity asked, her hand landing lightly on his forearm.

He looked down at it. Her touch was all wrong, and it made him want to throw her hand off him. At that moment though, the Serafina Lady appeared with her husband.

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