Page 82 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

Leaving Axel to kick his chaosphere ball around, Theon started the trek back to the house. As he went, he recited the names of all his father’s advisors, where they lived, their bloodlines, their gifts, and what roles they played in his father’s kingdom. Then he started going through all the ruling Lords and Ladies, their heirs, and who they were watching as potential Sources. Then it was the history of Devram. All things a future Lord of the Arius Kingdom should know.

All things he made sure to know so he wouldn’t feel the sting of Eviana’s vines full of thorns his father would use for lashings to help him “remember.” Vines that wound around his limbs and throat, keeping him immobile. If he forgot anything this afternoon, those lashings would tear open the wounds still healing from this morning. Axel had left his messenger bag on the floor in the foyer rather than taking it to his room, but Theon had told his father it was his.

But that was just for now.

One day he’d be as powerful as his father. One day he’d have a Source of his own. One day he’d rule Arius Kingdom, his father would be a nightmare long past, and they could prosper whether or not the rest of Devram recognized them.

One day.

But that day was not today.

He paused when he reached the floor of his father’s study, straightening his tie and adjusting the cuffs of his suit jacket. He was just lifting a hand to knock when he heard footsteps.

“When did you get back?” he asked when Luka came to a stop beside him, adjusting his own shirt cuffs. He didn’t have a suit jacket on, but he did have a button-down shirt and tie.

“Just now,” his friend replied. “Was summoned straight here.”

The hair on the back of Theon’s neck immediately stood on end. That was never a good sign.

“Ready?” he asked Luka after another few seconds.

Luka nodded.

“Enter,” his father called after Theon had rapped his knuckles on the study door.

He went first, Luka right behind him. Eviana was in her usual chair, turquoise eyes flicking from him to Luka and back. Two of his father’s advisors were also here—Julius and Mansel—and Theon shoved down the fear. He knew what their gifts could do.

“Take a seat,” was all his father said.

Present Day

His phone ringing pulled Theon from the memory, and he sighed when he looked down at the screen to see who was calling.

“Hello, Mother,” he answered, continuing to stare out the window. The skies were grey like they always were these days. They were already experiencing record snowfall this winter season thanks to a certain… Was she a goddess? He didn’t know, but he did know she was responsible for the weather, even with her spending most of her time in Faven. Somehow the Acropolis was still experiencing the extent of her wrath.

“Theon? The help said you were here today,” his mother said, worry and disappointment sounding in her voice.

He rubbed at his brow with his thumb and forefinger. Razik had Traveled them back to the manor outside the Acropolis, scarcely sparing him a glance before he’d Traveled somewhere else with Eliza. That was over an hour ago. He’d been standing in this same spot in the study since then.

“Yes, I was there,” Theon answered.

“Was?” Cressida demanded.

“Yes. Sorry I didn’t have time to visit.”

“Theon St. Orcas, your father is missing. Your brother is missing. And you can’t spare a minute to check on your mother when you come home?”

He winced because when she put it like that… But who was she kidding? She’d been anything but motherly during his childhood. More than that, Axel had clearly been her favorite.

“Do you have news of your brother? Your father?” Cressida continued.

“A few potential leads, but nothing concrete,” he answered.

“Is that what you were doing here?”

“No. I was there to meet Luka and Tessa.”

He was greeted by silence at that statement. It went on so long he pulled his phone from his ear to make sure the call was still connected.

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