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Seconds later, large hands were pulling her into a hug. “Tessie. Thank the gods,” Dex murmured, but then he was pushing her back, gripping her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

“Why do you think something is wrong?” Tessa asked.

“You’re stiff as a board. Are you not supposed to be here? Tessa,” he sighed, already sounding resigned at having to deal with this. “This is not the time to cause a scene.”

“I’m not?—”

She took a deep breath, feeling her power stretch beneath her skin as another bolt of lightning flashed outside. She hadn’t used her power since the training pit in the Underground. That was…too long ago. It was getting restless, which only meantshewas going to start getting restless and more impulsive. She’d figuredthat much out at least. When Theon was religiously taking her to the river to let her siphon off her gifts, she felt more in control of… Well, everything.

“I’m fine,” she replied. “I’m probably not supposed to be here, but it will not cause a scene.”

“And later?”

Later it would probably cause a scene that would end with having an incredible orgasm if she were being honest, so…

The crease at Dex’s brow increased as he studied her. “You seem different. Are you sure you’re all right?”

But before she could answer, another male voice had her spinning around.

“Tessalyn Ausra.” The male was a little shorter than Dex, and he’d pushed his mask up onto his forehead so he could see her properly. His brownish-blonde hair was neatly trimmed and combed, and he had his signature flirty smile in place.

“Brecken,” she greeted with a small smile of her own, embracing him when he pulled her into a hug. “It’s been a while.”

“I always seem to miss you lately,” he agreed. “I was hoping I’d get to see you tonight, though. Is Kat with you?”

He’d always had a thing for the female, and Tessa shook her head. “I haven’t seen her, but Axel keeps a close eye on her. I’d be careful.”

Somehow his eyes went darker. “Has he claimed her then?”

Tessa blinked in surprise. “Arius Kingdom claimed her before her power even emerged.”

Brecken rolled his eyes, and Tessa was even more taken aback.

“Everyone knows that,” he said. “They don’t usually put them on the same leash the Sources are put on though,” he said, before he grimaced a little. “Sorry. I didn’t mean…”

Tessa stared at him for a long moment before saying tightly, “Clearly my leash is quite long.”

“He didn’t mean it that way, Tessie,” Dex said. “No need to be overdramatic.”

He was probably right. She was being overdramatic. Her trapped magic was making her oversensitive, and shedidneed to be careful. She was already pushing the limits tonight.

“Where are Corbin and Lange?” she asked, glancing at the three who were crowding around her.

“You know those two,” Oralia said, reaching over and adjusting Tessa’s mask. “How do you always look such a mess?”

“I don’t know,” she murmured, still trying to look for Tristyn, but it was impossible to see around Dex and Brecken.

“So talk to us, Tessa,” Dex was saying. “How are you? I’m sure we don’t have much time.”

“I’m fine,” she replied automatically.

“Don’t give me that bullshit. You are not fine.” He took her chin, trying to force her face up, and she jerked back from him. His brows shot up in surprise. “Tessa? I didn’t mean to… It’s just me.”

It’s just me.

But her eyes fell to his wrist where the Achaz Mark stood next to the Celeste Estate and wind element markings. He’d been there when she’d woken in Lord Jove’s manor house. He’d said things she hadn’t forgotten, even if none of it made sense.

Dex noticed her stare and lowered his arm, hands sliding into his pockets. “I’m still on your side, Tessa. You know that, right?”