Page 227 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

And they didn’t let the opportunity go to waste.

The Augury converged, several powers attacking her at once. Vines snapped out, snaking around her limbs. Winds blew, and air was pulled from her lungs. Tendrils of water reached from the river, creating an icy cage and trapping her in the center of it all. There was light and shadow from the weaker Achaz and Arius Legacy. This was so much power. She couldn’t fight it on her own. Even if she let her magic have control, she didn’t know if it would be enough against all of them, but she wasn’t going down without fighting. Not again.

Never again.

Tipping her head back, she screamed to the sky in fury. The sun was gone, dark clouds having rolled in. They burst open, rain mixing with the icy waters the Anahita Legacy were controlling. She focused on one arm. She just needed one hand free to spill a drop of blood. Her Hunters would come, and everyone here would wish they were dead.

She’d grant that wish with wrath and golden blades.

With another cry of rage, light radiated out from her so forcefully, those closest to her were thrown back. It gave her just enough time to pull a dagger and slice her palm.

“No!” Cressida cried from where she was pushing up onto her knees. “Not yet!”

But she was far too late as the blade slid across Tessa’s palm, drops of red splattering at her feet.

“You’re all dead,” Tessa said darkly as the first of her Hunters appeared.

“You called, your—” the Hunter started, but then he stopped as another gust of wind swirled around them courtesy of the Sefarina Legacy.

The Hunter’s head tilted too far to the side, and he inhaled deeply before a wide and terrifying grin filled his pale face.

“We are here to serve, your grace,” he said, a feral thread of excitement ringing in his already haunting tone.

Despite them all looking the same, Tessa knew this was the same Hunter that always appeared first. This was the Hunter who had served her. He was the one who had brought her Valter and Arlo. He was the leader of the others in whatever hierarchy was granted among their kind.

“Kill them all,” Tessa said, her gaze locking with Mother Cordelia’s as she spoke the words.

The Estate Mother’s face was taut with disapproval, but for the first time in her life, Tessa saw apprehension fill her features too. Yet even with that, she didn’t seem nearly as concerned as she should be with death a breath away.

“We will eliminate the threats,” he replied, more and more Hunters appearing.

The Legacy could do nothing as golden blades were drawn, but this was nothing like the last attack. Many of the Augury membersweren’tfighting. In fact, only a handful were panicking. As the Hunters made their way through the crowds.They didn’t kill them all like she’d instructed. Instead, they almost seemed to be…selectiveabout the ones they drove those gold swords into.

Cressida and Mother Cordelia came closer, the leader of the Hunters stepping in front of Tessa, but Cressida just waved him off.

“I know the rules,” she scoffed, a vindictive smile on her full lips as she stared at Tessa. “Rordan will be thrilled she is finally fulfilling her purpose.”

“What are you—” Tessa started, but she was cut off by the howling that filled the air.

Not one wolf, but two.

NylahandRoan.

Her heart both soared and stuttered. She still smiled when they appeared though, dark and light fur jumping into the fray. The Augury members who hadn’t appeared fearful before did now, more power appearing and flying through the air.

Tessa called her own magic back to the surface, but a piece of her also hesitated. The last time Roan had come to protect her in an attack, he had nearly been killed because of her. What if it happened again? What if she lost control and this time they were too late to save him?

She froze, her palms glowing and gold mist undulating around her. Luka hadn’t prepared her forthis. In all her training, no one had told her what to do when your actions couldkillsomeone you loved. Because that was what this was. Shelovedthose wolves. They were hers, and she was theirs, and where the fuckwasLuka? Theon? Her shields had slipped long ago. She could feel them, so surely they could feel her.

I need you both. Now!she cried down the bond, fear and dread taking over as she continued to watch her Hunters selectively take life.

We know. We’re trying,Theon said, anger and panic coloring his words.

What do you mean you’re trying?

Keep fighting, Tessa. We’ll be there,Luka replied.

But Roan is here, and I?—

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