Page 31 of Rain of Shadows and Endings

“Indeed.”

They passed under the archway and through a side door that led into a stairwell. As Luka started up the stairs, Tessa asked, “Was Theon lying to his father about why he chose me?”

Luka glanced down at her. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t think your looks were part of it, Tessa, but I know it was not the entire reason.”

“But what were the other reasons then?”

“There were several things he was looking for in his Source. Personally, I think there were better options, but when he spoke with you in that alcove, his mind was almost instantly made up.”

“You make it sound like he was picking out an item at the market. ‘I think there were better options,’” she mimicked.

Luka sent her a dry look. “That mouth of yours is part of the reason I believe there were better options, little one.”

Tessa glared at him as he pushed open a door. She felt wards brushing against her skin as they let them pass through. Then Tessa could only stare in shock at the opulent room before her. This wasn’t a suite. It was an apartment and not a small one.

Before her was a sitting room. A large sofa, two armchairs, and a low table were to her right, facing an enclosed fireplace with a large TV mounted above it. To the right of the furniture was a billiards table, and on the wall was a dartboard. Next to the fireplace was a closed door. Off to the left was a nook nestled into a bay window that overlooked whatever was outside. On one side of the window, there was a large bookshelf in the corner with no extra space visible. On the other side was a desk, neatly organized with stacks of papers and books.

To her left was a dining table with seating for six, and running along the wall behind it was a full kitchen. A small island with two stools stood in the middle of it, and a door led to what she could only assume was a pantry.

Straight ahead of her was another doorway. It had to be Theon’s bedroom. The entire space was decorated in a mixture of metal, stone, and opaque glass in varying shades of black, grey, and silver. Tasteful rugs ran in various places over the hardwood floor.

Luka lowered her onto a small bench just inside the door. She could tell he was trying to be gentle about it, but she still let out a hiss of pain at the movement. He removed his suit coat and tie, hanging them on a hook. As he began rolling back his sleeves, he said, “Right then. This is Theon’s suite. There is a small bathroom through that door.” He gestured to the closed door near the fireplace. “The kitchen is usually well stocked, but I don’t know if the staff has done so yet. This was one of the guest wings until Theon requested his own wing when he obtained a Source.” He motioned to the doorway ahead of them. “Through there is Theon’s room and your room.”

Tessa started at that. “My room is here? In his suite?”

Luka met her gaze. “You are his Source, Tessa. You will be within reach at almost all times, especially once all the Marks have been given.”

“I know that. I just didn’t think… I mean… I…”

Luka dropped to a crouch before her. She didn’t know the male well, but she had a feeling he rarely spoke in the soft tone he used when he said, “It’s going to be okay, Tessa. You’re going to be okay. Theon will take care of you.”

She said nothing, only reached up and began pulling the pins from her hair.

“I know you weren’t expecting this, Tessa. I know you’re miserable right now, but you can’t change what’s happening here. You know that, right? You need to figure out a way to live with this fate.” His sapphire eyes searched hers, waiting for her to say something.

“I’m tired, Luka, and I want to get out of this dress,” she finally said.

Luka sighed before pushing back to his feet. He helped her to her feet and walked her to the bedroom. It was just as grand as the sitting room had been. To the right was a large bed with grey sheets and a black comforter. A large portrait of four regal black horses hung above the bed and nightstands stood on either side.

Double doors ran along the back wall leading out to a balcony. Light grey curtains were pulled back, but it was too dark to see much of anything now. Tessa could just make out a seating area on the balcony though. A small sofa and a couple of chairs with a table between them.

To her left were two doorways. Another glass fireplace was set into the wall between them. There were two chairs before it with a small table. Luka led her over to one, and she lowered into the seat.

Pointing to the door on the left, he said, “Through there is the bathroom.” He gestured to the door to the right. “Through there is your room. It’s small, but it has a bed, a nightstand, and I believe a small desk. Between your room and the bathroom is a closet and dressing room. It should have all the items Theon ordered for you already in there.”

Tessa nodded, too overwhelmed to do much else. When she didn’t say anything, he slipped an elastic band from his wrist, gathering his hair into a small ponytail. “Let’s get you out of that dress, little one.”

He left her in front of the unlit fireplace, disappearing into the bathroom. When he came back a moment later, he held what appeared to be lounge pants and a male thermal shirt. “All of your clothes appear to be tighter fitting, so I grabbed one of Theon’s shirts for you,” he explained. Tessa only nodded again.

Luka helped her to her feet, and as tactfully as he could, helped her get changed. She gingerly lowered herself back into the armchair while he took the dress somewhere. When he reemerged, he crouched before her once more. “Tessa, tell me what you need right now. Do you need to rest? Eat?”

Tessa pulled her legs up onto the chair, wrapping her arms around them and resting her chin atop them. “I just want to be left alone for a bit.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re still adjusting. Your body is going through a lot, and you’re in pain—”

“Just a few minutes. Please, Luka,” she said, staring at the glass of the unlit fireplace.

Luka was quiet for a few seconds before he said, “Okay. My rooms are in this wing. I’m going to go shower and change. I will be back in fifteen minutes. This room is warded. Only a select few can enter. You cannot leave this suite, Tessa. Do you understand? If Valter learns you are wandering the halls alone, it will not be good for anyone.”

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