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“What are the vials for?” Tessa asked when the door had clicked shut behind them.

She seemed to glide to the balcony railing, peering down at the arena where the emergings would take place. Five separate stations would usher the Fae through until only the Sources remained. Then a center stage would be erected. She wore flat silver sandals with her dress, clearly more comfortable in them than she was in heels, and all Theon could think as she’d slipped them on earlier that night was how similar they were to fucking flip-flops. Fancier and detailed, sure, but the premise was the same.

Theon crossed the room to the cabinet in the corner, picking up one of five vials. Black shimmering liquid swirled inside.

“Each kingdom is given five vials,” he explained. “We can use them at any time throughout the year to lay claim to a Fae before the official Selection night at the end of the Selection Year.”

She glanced back over her shoulder. “How does that work?”

“If a kingdom wants to claim a Fae, we toss a vial.”

“What if more than one kingdom wants them?”

“If multiple vials are thrown at the same time, there is a panel held to determine which kingdom gets them.”

“Does that happen often?”

“There may be a few tonight if strong enough powers are manifested. But most of the time, we wait until later in the year, watching the various trainings and trials.”

She didn’t say anything else, turning back to look out over the arena. He glanced at Luka, who only shrugged, slipping off his suit coat and draping it over a chair. Neither of them had bothered with ties tonight.

“Do you want a drink, Tessa?” Theon asked, and that had her turning completely to face him. She leaned back on her elbows against the onyx railing, studying him.

Then she smirked. “Wine would be lovely.”

Theon narrowed his eyes, but nodded. “One glass,” he warned.

“I won’t even lap it off the floor,” she retorted.

“Get that out of your system before my father shows up,” he replied, but internally he was sighing in relief. This was the most snark and emotion she’d shown all day.

“I know how to act, Master,” she replied, moving to one of the plush chairs and sinking into it.

“If you wish to address me as something else in front of others, that can be arranged.”

“Hmmm, like what?”

“My Lord, your Grace—”

She snorted a laugh. “No. You are neither of those things. Master is suitable for now.”

“Tessa, I understand we are not on good terms at the moment, but you really cannot act this way tonight. Please tell me you understand that.”

She pushed back to her feet, sauntering over to him. A hand landed on his abdomen before she smoothed it up his chest. “This beautiful thing happens,” she mused.

Theon swallowed thickly as her fingers touched the skin at his throat, continuing to his jaw. “What thing?”

“When a person finally accepts they are nothing,” she continued. “It’s a freedom, really.”

“You are not—”

“Shh,” she hushed, placing a finger against his lips. “When you accept you are nothing, it frees you from caring.”

“Tessa—”

“And when you’re already nothing, you can really become anything.”

The door was thrown open at that moment, Axel strolling in, a glass of alcohol already in hand.