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“The Source bond can only be severed by death,” the Falein Lady chimed in.

“But what if the Source bond isn’t actually instilled until the final Mark?” Theon said.

The Lords and Ladies all exchanged looks before Lord Jove said, “Care to expound on that?”

“In our research we have found evidence that suggests the Source bond isn’t truly initiated until the final Marking,” Theon said, and he felt Tessa’s confusion and surprise down the bond. She’d been sleeping when Axel had told him about what he and Kat had found. There hadn’t been time to fill her in. “There is abook suggesting the Source Mark used to be one Mark, not four,” he continued, watching the Lords and Ladies. “As we just found this information on Solstice Day, I haven’t had time to research it more to investigate where the other three Marks come from, but… You all know this already,” he said, sitting back in his seat, somewhat dumbfounded.

None of them seemed even remotely surprised by this revelation. If anything, they almost seemed uncomfortable that he’d uncovered this knowledge. In fact, within moments, the entire hearing room had been cleared save for the Lords and Ladies, their Sources, Theon, Axel, Luka, and Tessa.

“Where did you say you came across this supposed information?” Lady Farhan asked. Of course the Falein Lady would be the most interested in such knowledge.

“In a book,” Theon returned tightly.

“Even if such atheorywere true,” the Serafina Lady cut in. “Your task was not to learn such things. Your task was to uncover the female’s heritage. You did not.”

“Forgive me if I am mistaken,” Theon said, “but I do believe Lord Jove’s words were ‘should you learn she is indeed a Legacy and the Source bond cannot be severed another way, it is not an Achaz Legacy whose life will pay that price.’ I have learned she is not a Legacy, at least not fully, and if the Source bond is not actually in place until the final Marking, there is nothing to sever at this point in time.”

The Lords and Ladies sat in silence as Theon stared back at them. His father seemed almost pleased at the technicality Theon had found. Theon knew that small, cruel twitch of his mouth and the way he subtly relaxed back into his seat.

“One would think you studied at the academies of the Falein Kingdom with such knowledge and cleverness,” the Anala Lady said, golden eyes studying him thoughtfully.

“Such knowledge is only found in the Falein Kingdom. It appears your few hours spent in my archives were indeed fruitful,” Lady Farhan said tightly. “Even more concerning is the fact that you were not in the area of the archives that contained such knowledge. Which begs the question, how did you discover such a book? Or is it simply you were not monitored well enough?”

“The knowledge was not learned in a book found there,” Theon replied. “There is no need to punish anyone.”

“Then where?” she demanded sharply.

“A book of mine,” Axel said. “It is an old book of mine.”

“I would like to see this book.”

“That book is not the subject of this hearing,” Theon cut in, finally pushing to his feet. “You all set me an impossible task, left out valuable information, and now you seek to punish me for failure.”

“What about your task was so impossible?” Lord Jove asked. “You said you learned some of her heritage. I imagine you would have eventually completed the task. You simply ran out of time. It is no fault of ours that you were unable to work within your time constraints.”

“But, for the sake of curiosity, what lineage was learned?” the Serafina Lady asked, her silver hair pulled over her shoulder and reaching nearly to her waist.

“It seems that since I did not complete my task fully, such knowledge is not important,” Theon countered.

Lady Isleen’s eyes narrowed. “Careful, Child.”

He’d known this hearing wouldn’t go in his favor, but to learn he’d basically been set up for failure? He’d been prepared to argue his case, to present logic and facts. How fucking naïve he’d been. How godsdamn foolish to think theydidn’tknowabout the Markings. He knew how the realm worked. The dealsmade behind closed doors. The alliances that turned into back-stabbing. Muddled truths and half-secrets.

“You are truly not going to share what you’ve learned?” the Celeste Lady demanded.

“I am going to assume you already know her heritage at this point,” Theon retorted, buttoning his suit coat. “In fact, I am going to assume I was assigned a pointless task to keep me busy and looking elsewhere. For what purpose? I do not know yet, but I will discover it.”

“Theon,” his father snarled, “remember your place.”

“No, no, Valter. He has a right to speak. This is, after all, his hearing,” Lord Jove said, getting to his own feet. Theon didn’t particularly like the look on the Lord’s face as he descended the few steps from the dais. “His denial of a request will not change the outcome of this.”

“The fuck it won’t,” Theon snapped.

“It truly will not,” the Lord replied with a sharp smile. “Even had you completed your task, she still would not have gone home with you today.”

“Repeat that?”

“Yesterday’s meetings brought us to the conclusion that all these attacks have been centered around Tessalyn. She will be housed at the Pantheon until things can be dealt with accordingly, and we can assure the safety of Devram,” Lord Jove said, moving to step around Theon, but he wouldn’t have it as he blocked his path.