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“But, of course,” he answered as his power placated her own.

“And if I don’t believe you?” she asked, lifting her chin.

“That is also your choice.”

The magic disappeared, the light and energy dissipating into nothing as she held the Lord’s golden gaze. “The tea. What will it do?”

“Let your magic do what it is meant to do. Be what it was meant to be.”

“Will it burn? Like the tonic for the Marks?”

“No, Child,” Elowyn answered, approaching with a fresh cup. “But I think you will find it will help make your choices easier.”

The Priestess extended the cup to her, and once more Tessa tentatively took it from her. “It will be my choice?” she repeated.

“Would you like me to make a Blood Vow with you?” Rordan asked.

Shock rippled through her. “You can’t be serious,” she blurted.

“But I am,” he replied, taking one of the ice daggers from Dysani. “Whatever you learn in your time here this week, Ivow to leave the choices of what to do with that information completely in your very capable hands.”

He sliced his palm before offering her the dagger. Dex took her tea while she did the same, placing her bleeding palm against the Lord’s. A flare of white light emitted from their palms, and Tessa felt the vow settle in the depths of her being. She had vowed nothing, while the Achaz Lord had made a vow that would result in something truly unfavorable if he broke it.

And he had made that vow toher.

“Now that such a thing is settled,” Rordan said, handing the dagger back to Dysani. “What is your choice with the tea this day?”

Glancing at the cup Dex held, she looked at her still bleeding palm once more. Whatever happened, she could do with it as she pleased. A choice. That was what he had offered her.

A show of good faith.

A freedom.

“I’ll drink it,” she said, reaching for the cup.

“Excellent,” Rordan said. “I suggest you sit, my dear.”

Taking his advice, she settled back onto the sofa, taking a deep breath.

“Just drink,” Elowyn said. “And let your body naturally respond.”

The same words the priestesses always said at assessments.

She tried not to think about that as she brought the cup to her lips and drank.

27

AXEL

“What do you mean she’s not here?” Axel snarled, his shadows shoving the sentinel against the wall and holding him there.

The male’s eyes were wide, his magic attempting to shield him, but Axel’s shadows shoved it aside.

“The Arius Heir picked her up,” the sentinel said gruffly.

“Theonpicked her up? When?” Axel demanded.

“I don’t know. An hour ago?”