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The same priestess as before entered. She seemed more skittish this time. Tessa wasn’t entirely sure why.

“Are you ready to proceed, my Lord?” she asked, standing several feet away.

“We are,” Theon said.

“She will need the bands on,” the priestess said.

The light wound around her wrists sparked, small bolts of energy emanating from it and charging the air around her. Tessa slid her gaze to Luka. “Did you not fill him in on what I told you?”

Theon looked at Luka, and Tessa could feel a mixture of pride and frustration coming from the dragon. The annoyance she was picking up on was all Theon.

“Tessa informed me last night after the Augury attack that if anyone tried to put those bands on her again, she would kill them,” Luka said. “It is a threat I would take seriously.”

“With all due respect, my Lord, there was little control when she had one band on with the previous Marking. I am uncomfortable staying in the room if she will not be wearing them for this Marking,” the priestess said.

“Then do not stay,” Theon said brusquely. “Give the Mark and wait outside. We will summon you when it is done.”

“I am supposed to stay?—”

“And witness?” Theon interrupted.

“Yes,” she said, a slight quaver in her voice.

“You may stay,” Theon said with a shrug. “But I cannot guarantee your safety this time. Luka’s attention will be focused on helping me. Protecting you will be a secondary worry.”

“But I…”

“You are grateful I am giving you a choice in the matter?” Theon asked pointedly.

“Yes, of course, my Lord,” the priestess said, bowing her head.

“Let’s get on with this then,” Theon snapped, moving to Tessa. Lowering his voice so only she could hear, he said, “Are you sure about this, beautiful? The Marking will likely be easier with a band on.”

She gave him a too sweet smile. “Please test that assumption. You’ll have plenty of time to ponder the results during your time in the After.”

Everything about him darkened at her words. “You are becoming rather bold, clever tempest.”

“Someone they fear as much as they fear you,” she replied.

Tessa stepped away from him, moving to the sofa. Frowning, she said, “How should I sit for this one?”

“You lie on your stomach,” the priestess said.

She wasn’t keen on that idea. She felt too vulnerable that way. Too many ways to trap her hands. But she lowered to her stomach, folding her arms along the armrest and resting her chin atop them. She felt Theon lower to his knees beside her, but she was focused on Luka, who had crouched before her. He didn’t say anything, but something in her chest eased at being able to see him.

“Proceed,” Theon said.

Tessa focused on her breathing as the priestess drew the Mark.

There was a growled “get out” before the scent of blood filled her senses. A moment later, she felt the sting of the dagger across her nape. Her power was already flaring, light and energy spilling out.

“You won’t be able to do it, Theon,” Luka warned.

“I can try,” Theon retorted, but Tessa saw him pass the dagger to Luka out of the corner of her eye. She tensed as Theon leaned closer, his breath soft in her ear. “You have to let me win, Tessa. It’s the only way.”

“I can’t,” she whispered.

“I know.”