Page 82

“And Katya?” Luka pressed.

“I amnottaking another Source.”

“That’s fine, but we’re already keeping a lot of information from your father. Doing these small things to keep him somewhat content wouldn’t be a bad idea. He doesn’t need to know it’s just an act,” Luka said. “At leastacknowledgeFelicity when you see her at the Acropolis.”

Theon’s gaze drifted back to Tessa. Katya had braided the golden strands into a plait that lay over her shoulder, her features softened in sleep.

“She doesn’t know,” Theon said quietly.

Luka’s brow arched. “You haven’t told her who your Match is?” When Theon shook his head, Luka added, “And she hasn’t asked?”

“No,” Theon said, reaching out to run his knuckles along her cheek. “The only time she brings it up is to taunt me about how she is to be Matched to you.”

Luka scoffed. “We all know that’s not going to happen.”

Theon hummed an acknowledgment, but something in his gut twisted. Being seen with Felicity, even acknowledging her presence at the Acropolis in passing made it all seem more real. As if this were a fate he couldn’t escape despite all his carefully laid plans.

A knock had them both looking to the doorway, where Axel leaned against the doorjamb. “Still nothing?” he asked, eyes lingering on Tessa.

“No,” Theon said, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Do you need something, or just checking in?”

“Cienna’s messenger is here,” Axel answered. “We can’t keep her waiting.”

Theon nodded, turning back to Luka.

“Go,” Luka said. “I’ll stay with her. We’ll figure this all out later.”

“Yeah, all right,” Theon said, crossing the room to grab his suit jacket.

He followed Axel down the stairs to the first floor of the penthouse, the same messenger from the passageways standing next to the lift doors. Kat was waiting for them too, dressed in clothing befitting of the hired mercenaries. Apparently it was all Axel could find in the short time he’d had to shop.

When they were ready, they silently rode the lift down to the streets and followed the messenger through the districts and back into the tunnels. They moved quickly, much faster than they had with Tessa since they didn’t have to coax her through every narrow passage. Soon enough, they were stepping into the same spacious cavern as before.

Cienna didn’t bother to look up from whatever she was doing. Gia was next to her, their heads bent as they murmured softly between themselves. It took Theon sighing in frustration for Cienna to finally deign to speak.

“So impatient,” she chided as Gia gathered all the papers they’d been studying and tucked them away into a drawer.

“My time is limited. I have to return to Arius House today,” Theon said tightly. “But I’m sure you already knew that.”

“I did,” Cienna agreed, coming to a stop before them.

When Gia appeared at her side, Theon couldn’t help but say, “She still sleeps, not that you’ve bothered to come check on her.”

“Why would I do that?” Gia asked.

“To see if everything is progressing as it should,” Theon answered incredulously.

“No need. My abilities are unmatched. She will wake when her body is ready,” Gia replied, clearly unbothered.

“I sent you the best,” Cienna said before Theon could argue further. “Gia speaks the truth. She will wake when it is time.”

“When it is time,” Theon repeated, resisting the urge to pace. “And when is that going to be, Cienna?”

“Careful, Theon,” Cienna warned, Gia going deathly still beside her.

“I will not be careful,” Theon snapped. “I do not have time for your games. Not anymore.”

“Theon,” Axel hissed, a hand gripping his elbow in warning, but Theon was over it.