Page 126 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

Confusion crossed her features. “What debts?”

“You think I have allowed you to live in my home, eat my food, and do as you please for nothing? Freedom has a price, child, and it’s about time you started paying it.”

He turned on his heel, his power going with him. The door clicked softly shut behind him, and for the first time since she’d come here, she felt trapped. She’d known another monster lurked behind the warm smiles and pretty words. It had been an ongoing game of who would break the façade first. Once again, her impulsive actions had made her the loser rather than the victor, and yet she still couldn’t bring herself to regret it.

She would do it again.

And she’d be the one to sink a golden blade into Rordan’s heart too.

Tessa?came Theon’s voice down the bond.Are you… I don’t understand what you are feeling right now. Do you need us?

No,was all she managed to reply before she stacked her shields back where they belonged.

She needed no one.

Kindness was never free.

There was always a cost.

And she was done accumulating debts.

After getting herself together, she created a portal directly down to the hidden entrance of the cells beneath the Achaz Palace. Quickly slipping inside, she made her way down the stairs. It felt weird to be down here without her wolves. She’d grown used to them always being at her side, always seeming to know when she needed them. So she shouldn’t have been surprised to find Nylah waiting for her when she reached the bottom. Her dark coat shimmered in the light of the sconces, and Tessa crouched down beside her.

“How is he?” she asked softly, stroking her fur and scratching behind her ears. The wolf leaned into her hand, a low whine sounding. “I miss him too,” Tessa whispered. “Can you stay close?”

Nylah rubbed against her arm, then her legs as Tessa stood. Roan was always the one to stick close while Nylah went ahead of them. Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, she strode down the passage. She had planned to completely ignore Valter, but she couldn’t stop herself when she paused in front of his cell.

His hair was even longer and unkempt. A thick beard covered his face now, and hatred still shone in those hazel eyes. But she didn’t miss the slight flinch when she pressed her palm to the glass of his cell, pulling a wicked smile to her lips. Bringing her back to herself. Reminding herself she wasn’t weak. She wasn’t a pet. She wasn’t a means to someone else’s end.

“What do you plan to do with Eviana’s daughter?” Tessa asked casually, tiny sparks of energy flickering at her fingertips.

“What daughter?” he retorted, his voice hoarse from disuse.

Tessa only continued to smile. “That’s fine. I can ask her instead.”

That had Valter lurching to his feet, stopping just short of slamming his hands to the glass. “Where is she?” he demanded.

“That bond can be such a bother when apart for too long, can’t it?” she replied with mock sympathy before she turned away from him, dragging her nails along the glass.

“Get back here and answer me, you cunt,” he snarled.

She would have let him be today.

Until he spoke those words.

In a flash of light, she spun back to him, both her hands on the glass. Light ricocheted into the cell, bouncing around. His screams filled the air, and the monster inside of her soul sat up and smiled too.

She left him whimpering in agony on the floor, making her way down the passage. She did need to go speak to Eviana, but that would have to wait for another day.

When she arrived in front of his cell, he was in his usual spot, gaze already fixed on her and waiting. She sank to the floor without preamble, Nylah pacing back and forth in front of the glass. Crossing her legs, she rested her chin in her hand and held his stare. She wasn’t entirely sure why she was down here. Sure, she had questions, but part of her just didn’t want to sit alone with her thoughts.

For once, he was the first speak.

“You are different today.”

“You have another son,” she replied without adornment.

The male’s eyes went wide, his entire body jerking back before he was cursing in pain.

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