Page 195 of Rain of Shadows and Endings

“Tessa,” he growled in warning. “I know I have been explicit in my expectations of you, as well as the consequences for failure. You have repeatedly told me you understand.”

“What do you want me to say, Theon? The private instructor ran the Estate where I was raised. There’s history there.”

“I know. It’s why I thought you’d be the most comfortable with her.”

“Be the most…” She trailed off, biting down on the hysterical laughter threatening to escape her.

“I recognize you weren’t prepared for this role like the other Sources were,” Theon said. “That weakness needs to be taken care of, and none of us have the time to deal with it.”

Too disobedient.

Too much of a hassle.

No one will have the time to bother with you.

“Of course,” Tessa said, the light in her palms dying out.

“Tessa?” Theon asked, both he and Luka tensing as if preparing for her to— What? Attack them?

She almost laughed at the thought.

She’d have to care, and Theon’s words had effectively reminded her why she didn’t.

“None of this explains why you ran all the way to the river last night,” Luka said, having stepped in front of Theon once more.

And Tessa couldn’t help but wonder if that would be her soon? Placing herself between Theon and danger. They told her they wouldn’t let that happen, but the bond seemed to control Luka’s actions, even if he didn’t realize it. How could they know it wouldn’t do the same to her? She’d seen Eviana leap to Valter’s defense.

“I was in a panic,” she finally answered. “Mother Cordelia and I do not have a pleasant history. I do not enjoy spending time in her company, as it was usually followed by being shoved into small spaces and being hungry for days afterwards.”

“Explain that,” Theon said, his words steely.

“No,” she answered, her arms wrapping around herself.

“She would keep you inside?” Luka asked, his penetrating stare on her. “That is why you prefer being outside?”

“Something like that.”

Theon was about to say something else, but his phone buzzed with a notification. Pulling it from his pocket, he said, “It’s my father.”

“Go,” Luka said. “I’ve got her, and we will meet up with you for this afternoon’s meetings as agreed.”

Theon looked her over one last time before he muttered, “Fine.”

He was already lifting the phone to his ear as he left the training room.

“Get back in position,” Luka ordered.

“That’s it?” she asked, her arms dropping to her sides.

“What do you mean that’s it?”

“I thought there would be…some other consequence.”

“The Tracking Mark wasn’t enough for you?”

Luka was circling her, once again making small adjustments to her form.

“No, I just…thought there would be more.”

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