Page 232 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

Her eyes immediately flared, bright and violet, and the bands around her wrists sparked with energy.

“Your motheris what happened today,” she spat.

Theon reared back. “My mother? What does she have to do with anything?”

The humorless sound that came from Tessa was pure derisiveness. “She is in league with Rordan.”

“Impossible. She’s married to the Arius Lord,” Theon argued.

“She planned this entire day!” she cried, hands diving into her hair.

Luka knew what was coming before she started the pacing. The sparks of light that followed her steps. The tugging at the ends of her hair. Knew the next words she spoke were going to be seemingly nonsensical, and they needed to listen carefully if they had any hope of figuring out what the fuck had happened today.

“She lured us there,” Tessa said, still gripping the bow in her hand. “With them. With her. He did this. Him and the light guardians.”

“The Augury,” Luka clarified, keeping his tone calm yet forceful.

“And her,” she answered with a nod, still pacing, her eyes wild and scanning the room.

“Who, Tessa?”

“Mother Cordelia,” she hissed as though the words were venom.

“Cordelia was there? You saw her?” Theon demanded, taking a few steps towards her but stopping when her feet lifted an inch off the ground.

“Where were you?” she demanded. “You said you’d always come, and youdidn’t. Youliedto me.”

She may as well have hit him. That was how Theon looked as he stared at Tessa, his face pale. “We couldn’t?—”

Then he was cursing when his phone rang yet again.

Pulling it from his pocket, he answered with a barked, “What?”

His eyes went wide, darkness pooling at his feet. “What do you mean?” Silence while he listened. “Where are they now?” Silence. “We can’t do that.” Silence. “That won’t stop them.” Silence. “I’ll be right there.”

He hung up, slipping his phone back into his pocket as he crossed the room. He paid no mind when Tessa’s power flared again, taking her face in his hands. “I did not lie to you, Tessa. Do you understand me? Luka will explain everything, and I’ll be back as soon as I can. You will be safe here.”

“Don’t bother,” she sneered.

He sighed, and Luka could feel his internal conflict down the bond. It felt like he was being torn in two directions. Stay here like he wanted to, or go because it was his responsibility.

He dropped his hands and turned to Luka. “I need you to Travel me to Dark Haven.”

“Dark Haven? Why?” Luka asked.

“The city is under attack. Hundreds are already dead.”

“What? By who?”

With another glance at Tessa, he answered. “Hunters.”

“I’ll go with—” Luka started, but Theon shook his head.

“You know someone needs to be with her. Guarding her.”

“You are ordering thisagain?” Luka demanded. “I wasbornto fight in wars like this, Theon. Don’t you get that? This is a godsdamnwar!”

“And she is what everyone is after!” Theon roared back. “That is why I am taskingyouwith guarding her.”

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