Page 119 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
Felicity’s smile was sinister as she lifted her hand, showcasing the Mark on the back. “It doesn’t matter how many times you say it, he is still mine.”
And despite the cuff, her power flared. Not like it should, and it was almost immediately snuffed out, but her point was made.Felicity’s smile faltered, and she turned away, facing the Achaz Lord.
“What can I do for you, my Lord? I truly cannot stay away from him for long. My husband has needs that must be met,” she said, the last words ringing in Tessa’s ears.
“Oh, did I not mention? You are not here for me, my dear,” Rordan said, his eyes sliding to Tessa. “You are here forher.”
“What?” Felicity said with a gasp, spinning to Tessa once more. “What did you do?” she hissed.
Tessa ignored her, her entire focus on Rordan. “How is this any show of loyalty?”
“It is a peace offering,” he replied, pushing off the desk and returning to her side. He moved behind her, leaning in to speak low in her ear. “You heard her. She knowingly took something you covet. Andheallowed it. I have brought you what you crave most, Tessalyn. I have brought you vengeance.”
And gods, she liked the sound of that. She wanted her power to sink into Felicity’s manipulative soul to feast. Wanted her to feel every moment of her wrath at thinking she could touch what was hers. Wanted her to recognize her mistakes when it was too late to do anything about it.
But she couldn’t.
Not only because of this godsdamn cuff, but because Theon had a plan. He’d told her everything, and they’d spent these last nights changing details and making it perfect. Doing this now would ruin all of it.
The words stuck in her throat, but she forced them out. “She is not mine to deal with.”
“You are saying she is his?” Rordan asked, circling to her side.
“No,” she said quickly.
“Then…?”
“I…” But gods, her power was thrashing, wanting to take from her. From him. And it was trapped, and she was trapped. And she felt hollow and empty. “We don’t want her,” she choked out, her power clogging her throat. Trying to stop the words from escaping because they absolutely did want her. It was famished, and that ache was so much worse than when she was starving for food as a child.
“Pity,” Rordan said, reaching out and twirling some of her hair between his fingers. “Then just to ensure I am understanding correctly, you are rejecting this offering?”
“What offering? How does she show your loyalty?” Tessa asked, watching Felicity, who was obviously panicked.
“I think Theon should be here for this,” the female said, her voice shaking.
“Don’t say his name,” Tessa snapped, her power once again flaring and winking out in the same breath. She was failing. She was supposed to be playing a part. Be civil at dinners. Be indifferent, but she couldn’t. Never had been able to. Not only that, but Theon had offered to let a realm die for her.Thatwas a show of loyalty.
Turning her back on the female, she faced Rordan, repeating her question. “How does this show any type of loyalty?”
“Sweet child,” he said, his smile too wide, too full of delight, as he reached out and ran a hand down her hair. “Did you think I was showing my loyalty toyou?”
He turned his back on her, pulling open the door to the office once more.
Everything was suddenly too loud and too quiet all at once.
And she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. Couldn’t do a godsdamn thing as Mother Cordelia strode into the office.
“My loyalty isalwaysto Achaz,” Rodan said coldly. “And you? You are simply his insubordinate grandchild at this point. But I tried, Tessalyn,” he said, faux sympathy dripping in hisvoice. “I gave you one last chance to come back to his side. All you had to do was end the female. With his Match dead, he wouldn’t be able to take the Arius seat. We would have still let him take you though. We need information from him.”
“What information?” she rasped out, unable to pull her gaze from Cordelia.
The female was as formidable as ever. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled back in her signature tight bun at the back of her head. Dark navy eyes filled with loathing held her own, and her sharp features were more prominent since Tessa had seen her last.
“He has hidden Cressida somewhere,” Rordan said simply. “We desire her back.”
“I don’t know anything about that,” she said, sweat already beading on her nape and trickling down her neck. She hated that the Estate Mother still had this kind of power over her, and her magic was locked down, unable to defend her.
As if reading her thoughts, Cordelia smirked. “Not so tough without that abominable magic, are you?”
