Page 88 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
Tessa tutted, mimicking her from seconds earlier. “You’re to be a Lord’s wife. You should understand that nothing in Devram is merely semantics, but I’m sure you’ll figure it all out in time.”
Red splotches appeared on her cheeks, and Tessa didn’t miss how her grip tightened on her wineglass. “And did you figure it out, Tessalyn?” she asked, unable to hide the sneer from her voice. “Did you figure out your place?”
“I have,” Tessa answered. “Pity you haven’t figured out yours.”
“I am his Match,” she spat.
Tessa said nothing. Only smiled as she sipped her wine again.
“I am his Match,” she repeated, spluttering the words. “And what are you? Other than something to be leashed and brought out when needed?”
Theon started to say something, but Tessa held up her hand to halt him. Her tone was tinged with a madness she knew they all could hear when she said, “I am salvation and destruction, beginnings and endings, light and dark. I am the secrets of gods and the sorrow of fate. I am wrath and vengeance, chaos and fury. But to you,Ms. Davers? I will only be your end.”
Tension crackled in the air as Dex cleared his throat, signaling to someone for a refill of drinks, and when Tessa’s stare slid back to Theon, his eyes were still on her. She knew they’d never left during that entire exchange, as if imploring her to understand something. She could swear there was even a faint, insistent tugging on the broken bond, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to examine that yet.
“Take that cuff off her,” Theon said, his tone low and dark, startling her back from her thoughts.
“I’m afraid not,” came a voice that had Tessa inwardly flinching.
Rordan Jove strolled into the room, his Source a step behind him along with his heir, Dagian Jove, and his Source. Dex and Felicity got to their feet, bowing their heads, while Theon and Tessa stayed seated.
The last time she’d seen the Achaz Lord he’d been berating her for not fulfilling her purpose. She’d promised she would act, and it had all been a set up. She wasn’t a fool. He’d organized the entire godsdamn thing, working with Cressida and Cordelia for the Augury attack, and knowing she’d summon the Hunters that would end in a massacre in the Arius Kingdom.
That was her fault, even if she was set up. It was still her actions that had ended in the deaths of hundreds. Just like Pen last fall.
Destruction. Not salvation.
“An agreement was made, Jove,” Theon said tightly. “Are you not a male of your word?”
“I most certainly am,” the Achaz Lord replied casually, taking a seat at the head of the table while Dagian took the other end. “I am also a male of tradition and policy. All Lords and Ladies must be present to recognize a new ruler.”
“Then summon them. Now.”
“I’m afraid Maya is a little preoccupied at the moment. Something to do with your father and his rogue Source she has detained,” Rordan said, leaning to the side for a glass of liquor to be placed before him.
Tessa straightened at his words at the same time Theon said, “Eviana?”
“Indeed,” Rordan mused. “She was somehow freed from my home.” His stare slid to Tessa.
“What a shame,” she said sweetly, reaching for her wineglass once again.
“It is,” the Lord continued, picking up his own drink. “Our sources report two Fae helped her. They will all be sentenced to death for their treason, of course.”
“What?” Tessa asked, nearly dropping her glass.
But before Rordan could respond, Theon cut in. “I do not care about my father’s Source or what she’s been doing. Icare that I receive my title and what I was promised. I have completed all of your requirements. Make this happen sooner, Jove.”
During his little tirade, Tessa managed to regain her composure, but she knew Rordan hadn’t missed it. She needed to get out of this room. Off this Estate. She needed to see the sky and feel the breeze. She needed to talk to Lange and Corbin and make sure they were okay. If her actions ended in their deaths, she would never forgive herself. She’d let this world shatter, and she’d go down with it.
“We have other responsibilities,Theon,” Rordan said. “If I recall correctly, you often had other things to tend to when we requested your presence at meetings. The Ladies will arrive when their schedules allow.”
“And in the meantime?” Theon demanded.
“I suppose we wait.”
“Great, I’ll take what’s mine and wait in the Arius Kingdom. Let me know when everyone has found time,” he said, moving to get to his feet.
“Tessalyn will not be left alone with you until everything is official, St. Orcas. You are free to do what you wish, but she will stay here with Dexter until your lordship is finalized,” Rordan said calmly.
