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“This is the dedicated Arius Marking room,” Theon answered.

“Every Kingdom has a dedicated room for this?”

“Yes.”

She hummed as she moved, her hair braided into a plait that hung over her shoulder. She had already changed into loose pants and a low-cut shirt, nothing form-fitting after the last Mark. He’d also changed, though not nearly as comfortable or casual. He’d lost the suit, but still wore black pants and a button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled back to his elbows.

“After this, we go back to the townhouse?” Tessa asked, having made her way to the opposite wall.

“Yes. As soon as you’re ready.”

She hummed again in acknowledgment as Luka emerged from the back room where he’d just finished changing. He setthe bag containing their clothing near the door, then crossed his arms as his gaze followed Tessa making another round.

“You ready for this?” he asked quietly. If Tessa heard, she didn’t acknowledge it.

Theon nodded, his hands sliding into his pockets. “It shouldn’t be as bad as last time…right? Her power isn’t locked down now. The bands sure, but not like before.”

“I don’t know,” Luka said. “Everything we’ve read says each Mark gets easier for both of you, but that’s with a Fae. The other Sources will already have at least a little control over their gifts, but those gifts are nothing like hers.”

“We’ve been preparing for this,” Theon said, his voice still low.

“I still think Axel should be here instead of me,” Luka said.

“You know why we can’t do that. We don’t need Axel using any more of his power than necessary. He’s going through his weekly ration in three days.”

“I noticed.”

“So you thought it’d be a good idea to give him your rooms with a Fae for the week?” Theon asked sharply, causing Tessa to momentarily pause her movements and glance over at them.

“He’s staying in rooms with her now. What’s the difference?”

“It’s a big godsdamn difference, Luka. You have a room directly across from him, and I’m directly above him here. At Arius House, your rooms are farther away.”

Theon raked a hand through his hair. It wasn’t his brother’s fault he was so addicted to Fae blood. They could thank their father for that, just as they could thank him for nearly every other shitty thing in their life.

“Axel isn’t going to hurt Kat,” Tessa suddenly said, her voice taking on that eerie tone.

“Not intentionally,” Theon said. “You don’t know everything about his situation though.”

“Of course I don’t,” she replied with a mocking smile. Then she added, “But neither do you.”

Before Theon could ask what she meant by that, there was a soft knock on the door. Luka went to let the priestess in, while Theon crossed the room to Tessa. He cupped her face, tilting her head up. The violet rings seemed more vibrant today.

“I know it means nothing to you, but I’ll be here. The entire time. Take what you need. Let the bond do what it’s meant to do,” he said softly, but even though her eyes were locked on his, he got the sense she was looking right through him.

“Theon, the priestess is waiting,” Luka said, and Theon found himself wishing he had just a few more seconds, another minute. He was constantly wishing for a little more time these days, which was ironic considering he was essentially immortal.

He wanted to pull Tessa into him, hold her for a minute and press a kiss to her brow, but he wasn’t entirely a fool. That would be a comfort to him, something to ease the guilt churning in his stomach.

Guilt.

It had taken him a while to work out that was what he was feeling.

Instead, he released her face, but took her hand in his, leading her over to the sofa.

“Lie down on your back,” the priestess instructed.

“No drink this time?” Tessa asked, doing as she’d been told. The portrait of obedience.