Page 77 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
“That is agreeable enough,” the Falein Lady said. “Anyone else?”
And one by one the Ladies agreed, with Kyra being the last as she turned to face Theon fully. “Are the terms agreeable to you? You will be recognized as the Arius Lord as soon as you take a Match?”
No.
Yes.
Fuck.
“Surely they are if this is about protecting your people and your kingdom?” Rordan said, a brow arching in question.
“And Tessa?” Theon asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.
“I think we can all agree the realm was safer when she was in your care. I propose she be returned to you until an agreement can be reached regarding her fate,” Kyra said.
Begrudgingly, everyone murmured an agreement.
“Then we have an agreement,” Theon said, rising from his seat and buttoning his suit coat. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a phone call.”
He didn’t wait for a dismissal. He strode from the sitting room, down the hall, and out the front door before he pulled his old phone from his pocket. Powering it on, he ignored the numerous texts and missed calls from Luka. He’d deal with that later.
Instead, he scrolled to a name and clicked it before lifting the phone to his ear. It rang only once before connecting.
“Theon? Thank Arius. I’ve been so worried,” Felicity said, sounding genuine in her concern.
He didn’t bother with pleasantries as he said, “How soon can you be in the Acropolis?”
15
LUKA
“Why can’t I just use my own arrows?” Tessa said with a scowl when Eliza handed her another normal arrow.
“Because your arrows are magic,” she retorted. “You need to learn to shoot regular old arrows. What if you can’t access your magic? Besides, we don’t need you turning the mountain into ashes.”
“They’re not ashes,” Tessa grumbled, nocking the arrow to her bow and taking aim.
Luka heard the crunch of boots behind him, but he didn’t take his eyes from the females below. He was sitting above them on a ledge, his legs dangling over the side. They likely knew he was up here, but neither of the females had acknowledged him. Which was fine. It was better this way.
He could tell by scent alone who approached. His own blood mixed with fire.
“She’s smart in how she trains her,” Luka said, watching while Eliza adjusted Tessa’s arm.
“She’s been training warriors for decades,” Razik replied. “She knows what she’s doing.”
There was a twinge at the words, and Luka realized a moment later it was jealousy. Jealous of what, he wasn’t entirely sure. Her training warriors? Or maybe it was her just being around warriors when something like that was in his blood. A part of him wanted to ask Razik about it, but the male would probably just spout a smart-ass comment, reminding him yet again how much he didn’t care that they were related. Which is why Luka was a bit shocked when Razik spoke again.
“Is it truly just you and Xan here? The only Sargon Legacy in the entire realm?” Razik asked.
Luka glanced at him sidelong, finding him studiously watching Tessa and Eliza.
“As far as I know,” Luka answered. “Then again, I thought I was the only one until…”
Until Tessa revealed the secret she’d been keeping.
“And Aiyana?”
“Again, I assume she’s dead, but I thought that about our father as well.”
