Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance (Legacy #3)

18. Tessa

18

TESSA

T he Sirana Villas were nothing like she’d thought they would be. That was all Tessa could think as she followed the others through Rosebell. Rordan had portaled them all here, and from what she was told, he’d taken them as far as they could go. The wards around the Villas prevented them from portaling directly inside. Which she found odd considering he was the Achaz Lord and unofficial ruler of Devram.

Rosebell was south of Faven and nestled right on the edge of the Dreamlock Woods. It was halfway between Faven and Sanal, the Serafina Kingdom capital, and Tessa was sure that wasn’t a coincidence now that she had an inkling of what went on at the Villas. Granted, the Villas weren’t the only part of Rosebell. In fact, if one didn’t know the Villas were part of the city, you’d never know they were here.

The city itself had the feel of the rest of the major cities in Devram. Towering buildings. Bustling streets. It was also pristine. Flowers on all the street corners and potted around street lamps. Trees that were well tended to. Even the streets and sidewalks looked like they were swept of debris multiple times a day, and that was after any snow was removed.

Her shoes clicked against the pavement with every step. She hated them. They hurt her feet and squished her toes, and she still didn't understand why Oralia had insisted she wear these today. The black heels were ridiculous. And loud. How was she supposed to wander around without anyone knowing?

Although, she suspected that was exactly why Oralia had insisted.

The female, Dex, and Brecken all trailed behind their company. Tessa had stopped trying to figure out how they'd managed to become so trusted by Rordan. Now she just wondered why. Why would he put so much trust in Fae? It only furthered her suspicions that their heritage was as murky as her own. They probably weren't the children of gods, but Rordan only surrounded himself with the most powerful. That was something he and Valter had in common.

They'd left this morning after Tessa had finished her training session with Luka. It had only been her fifth one, but she'd already learned more from Luka than she had in all her sessions with Odessa combined.

Not that she'd ever admit that to him.

Luka spent the first half of their training sessions helping her control her magic. Which was always…somewhat uncomfortable. He was powerful, and her own magic recognized that. The first day Luka had given her a knowing look, and she'd gritted her teeth, refusing to acknowledge it. If he and Theon and all the other powerful beings of the realm could learn to control their magic, so could she.

The second half of their training time was still magic training, but he added physical training to it. Drills and routines designed to reinforce things he'd already taught her, making her practice over and over, just like he'd made her stand in that godsdamn position for hours. She wasn't entirely sure what he did the rest of the day, and every night she battled with whether she should go to his room. He said she could sleep in his bed if she agreed to train, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction. It would only serve as a distraction anyway, and not the kind of distraction she was aching for. Because, gods, she hadn't been properly fucked since Theon, and until this bond was dealt with, she knew nothing would come close to satisfying that need.

So she spent her nights pacing her room, trying to keep busy by reading books and practicing with her power. Anything and everything to keep her focus elsewhere all while knowing they could feel her frustration and irritation and want, and that only made the need that much worse.

“Not the excitement you imagined, I assume?” Rordan said with a hint of amusement in his tone, drawing Tessa from her thoughts.

“Rosebell is quite beautiful,” she replied with a smile. “I do enjoy seeing other parts of Devram.”

“I imagine you do after being confined to the Estate for so many years,” he said.

“Yes,” was all she managed to say, her fingers curling in her gloves at her sides.

At least they let her wear pants, even if they were incredibly impractical. They were, of course, white. Everything was white and light and?—

Gold.

Just like the large gate they’d stopped in front of.

Well, the gate itself wasn’t gold. It was actually two large panels that had gold designs inlaid into it, all gleaming and glinting in the daylight. Symbols of the gods. Marks she knew and some she didn’t. Without realizing it, she lifted a hand to trace one, but a hand clamped around her wrist, stopping her.

“They’re enchanted,” Dagian said tightly. “Touching them would end unfavorably for all of us.”

“What happens?” Tessa asked, a frown pulling at her mouth.

“I’ve never had to find out,” he answered.

She glanced over his shoulder where Sasha was dutifully a step behind him, her brown eyes holding a pleading warning for her not to push this. With a sigh, she pushed down her curiosity and shoved her gloved hands into the pockets of the long wool coat she was wearing.

That was also white.

She startled when the gates started sliding open, and Dex’s hand was on her arm, steadying her.

“Relax, Tessie,” he murmured quietly. “They’re just letting us in.”

She looked up, meeting his dark eyes. “Have you been here before?” Looking past him, she said to Oralia and Brecken, “Have you?”

None of them answered, maintaining their demeanor of servitude, but Brecken winked at her. When would they have been here? They hadn’t been in service to the Achaz Kingdom that long.

“Your grace, it is a pleasure to welcome you once more,” came a male voice that had her turning back to the now fully open gates.

A sentinel was bowing to Rordan and Dagian, and when he straightened, his gaze fell on Tessa. Uncertainty flickered across his features as he took her in, and Tessa sent him a cheeky smile with a wink of her own. Maybe she didn’t need Theon after all. She just needed to find someone else. Or someones. She didn’t really care.

“Put this on,” Dagian said, holding out his hand. In his palm was a thin rose gold ring.

Looking around, she found everyone sliding identical rings onto their fingers, but she’d witnessed rings and bracelets and collars be more than just an adornment. She wasn’t about to blindly put on a piece of jewelry.

“Why?” she asked, her hands still firmly shoved deep into the pockets of her coat.

“Do you have to question everything?” Dagian ground out, trying again to get her to take the ring.

“Is that an honest question?” she retorted, still eyeing the ring.

“The Sirana Villas are devoted to Sirana herself,” Rordan cut in, taking the ring from his son. “Her presence is felt more strongly here because of that, and not even the strongest of us are immune to those effects.”

“I still don’t understand,” Tessa said, taking a step back and bumping into a solid chest. Looking up, she found Brecken towering behind her.

“You’re going to want to fuck, Tessa,” Brecken said, taking the ring Rordan held out to him while tugging her hand from her coat pocket.

Her mouth dropped open. “You can’t be serious. Just by stepping through the gates?”

But hadn’t she just been entertaining the idea of finding someone to replace Theon?

“Sirana is the goddess of love and fertility,” Dex said as though he was speaking to a child. “Her presence is felt strongly here.”

That was the most ridiculous thing she’d heard. The gods had abandoned this realm. How could her presence be felt here?

“And the ring does what?” she asked as Brecken tugged her glove from her hand.

“They are spelled to make you immune to the effects,” Dex answered. “Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a room with another within the hour. Probably faster for you.”

Actually, that didn’t sound terrible , even if Dex had just essentially called her a whore.

Her gaze wandered back to the waiting sentinel. Light brown hair just long enough to run your fingers through. Muscled from training for his position. A light layer of scruff along his jaw.

Put the fucking ring on, Temptress, came a growl down the bond and not from the male she’d expected it to come from.

These fucking shields.

And this fucking bond.

She snatched the ring from Brecken’s hand, sliding it onto her pointer finger. Brecken arched a brow at her sudden change in demeanor, and she took her glove back, slipping it back on her hand.

“You’ll be more comfortable with it on,” Rordan said reassuringly. “Shall we?”

Tessa nodded, stepping through the gates at his side, while his Source followed a step behind.

A somewhat narrow path greeted them, only wide enough for three people to walk side by side. Towering trees kept them corralled on the path, and with a start she realized they were no longer on the edge of the Dreamlock Woods, but entering them. Why would they put the Villas in the Dreamlock Woods? Where it was said dreams became nightmares that hunted you? Where it was said creatures lived that couldn’t be found anywhere else in the realm?

“It’s fine, Tessa,” Dagian murmured in a low tone, and it was only then she realized she’d drawn closer to him. “You’re scarier than anything you’ll find in here.”

She wasn’t entirely sure about that when Dagian had been the one to torture her in these woods during an assessment vision, but nevertheless, she straightened and let her power linger around her. She saw Dagian glance at her sidelong, but he didn’t say anything else.

Staying close to the others, the path eventually emptied into a large courtyard, and she was able to take in the Villas around her. She nearly tripped over her own feet. Although, that was likely due more to the cobblestones they were walking on. Actual cobblestones. Stepping beyond those gates was almost like stepping into another realm.

There were no vehicles in here. Only people walking within the large courtyard. In the center was a tall statue of Sirana, her figure impossible to mistake with those curves, full breasts, and long hair. Of course, she was also nude. The Villas themselves surrounded the courtyard. They were three stories tall with open hallways. The arches, railings, and columns were ivory with pink roses climbing everything. There were four distinct Villas, all connected by walkways with the same arches and railings, but instead of entering any of them, they walked under one of the walkways, moving further into the woods.

When they emerged on the other side, Tessa stopped in her tracks. Because beyond the Villas was a sprawling manor house. Smooth ivory with the same pink roses everywhere, the doorways were all arched with gold detailing on the doors themselves that matched the gates. The manor was six stories tall, and from the balcony at the top, Tessa knew one would be able to see everything in the Villas.

A Legacy was descending the steps as they approached. Despite the winter season, she still wore a dress, her long legs visible from the deep slits up the sides with every step she took. The dress may have had long sleeves, but the wide scooping neckline still left golden tan skin on display with ample amounts of cleavage. Her shiny brown hair reached her ass, even with the loose curls. Her brown doe eyes were stunning, and her full lips even made Tessa wonder what it would be like to taste them.

“My Lord,” she said in a sensual lilt that Tessa felt all the way to the tips of her toes. Bowing low, she added, “Welcome back.”

“Thank you, as always, Desiray,” Rordan answered warmly, taking the hand she extended in both of his and squeezing it. “As you are aware, we have an extra guest with us today. Tessalyn, this is Desiray. She oversees the Sirana Villas as well as Rosebell. Desiray, meet Tessalyn Ausra.”

“The one the realm is all abuzz about,” she purred, those big eyes sweeping over her. “Such a pretty thing you are. Your offspring will be stunning provided you have the right partner.”

“Um…thank you?” Tessa said, resisting the urge to shift uncomfortably.

“And that power,” she added, a thread of excitement in her tone as her eyes flicked to Dagian. “Do you have a Match contract, my dear?”

“All in good time,” Rordan said with a chuckle, but his words had Tessa tensing. He’d never once mentioned a Match contract to her.

“When the time comes?” Desiray pushed.

“You’ll be the first to know as always,” he answered. “But that is not the purpose of this visit.”

“Of course,” she said, turning and sweeping up the steps. “Come with me. I had a light meal prepared while we discuss business.”

“And the tour for Tessa?”

“Arranged per your request,” she added.

Tessa’s brows arched. Another thing she’d been unaware of.

“That isn’t necessary,” Tessa said, trying to make sure she didn’t trip while walking up the stairs. “I am perfectly fine to join you for a meal.”

“Don’t be silly,” Rordan said, gently taking her arm when she stumbled on a step anyway. “You said you wanted to see the Villas since you’ve never been here before. I arranged for that.”

She couldn’t exactly argue with that fact. That had been her argument for getting him to agree to her coming here.

“Well, in that case, thank you for doing so,” she replied with a smile.

Rordan patted her arm before releasing her as they stepped inside the manor. It was much warmer in here, and several Fae instantly appeared to take their coats. Her soft gold sweater was almost too warm inside. She was hoping they’d take their shoes off, but she had no such luck there.

“I had some pastries and sandwiches wrapped for you to take on your tour along with some beverages,” Desiray said while small bags were passed to Dex and Brecken. “My daughter, Larissa, will escort you.”

A female appeared, nearly identical to her mother. She was a touch shorter, her hair a lighter shade of brown, but other than that, it was clear they were related. Tessa suddenly wondered who Desiray’s Match was.

“I can show you around the manor first before we go to other areas of the Villas,” Larissa said, her tone as sultry as her mother’s.

“That would be great,” Tessa said tightly.

It took nearly an hour before she was led back out to the courtyard and the surrounding four villas. Legacy came and went, Fae greeting them outside the villas before disappearing inside the buildings.

“Are we going to go indoors?” Tessa asked.

“Are you cold?” Dex asked. “There are gloves in your coat pockets.”

“No. I am not cold,” she retorted, fingers curling into the coat she had put on again before leaving the manor. “I simply wish to see inside them.”

Larissa and Dex exchanged glances before Larissa said, “There is truly nothing exciting inside.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Tessa, remember we are guests here,” Dex chided.

“And remember that I am no longer one of you nor beneath you,” she snapped in response, her power shuddering in her bones, stretching and yawning.

“I wasn’t implying that,” Dex argued. “I was merely stating you are being rude, and you shouldn’t be difficult.”

Tessa rolled her lips, her magic doing more than stretching now.

“Not be so difficult,” she repeated.

“Yes,” Dex snapped.

“Not be so impulsive.”

“Precisely.

“Not be so wild and uncontrollable.”

“Yes, Tessalyn,” he sighed in irritation.

“Dex, man,” Brecken warned. “This isn’t accomplishing what you think it is.”

“Tell you what, Dexter ,” Tessa said. “You and Larissa can stay out here. I’ll head inside and warm up a little.”

“Tessa, wait,” Dexter started.

“No,” she said simply, the bands of light at her wrists flaring and sparks of energy flying in all directions.

“Tessa, this wasn’t agreed to with Rordan or Desiray,” Dex tried again, reaching for her but halting when his gaze dropped to her wrists.

“Rordan?” she repeated. “You are now on a first name basis with the Achaz Lord?”

“No, I…”

She sent him a sharp smile. “I’m better without you, Dexter.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Tessa,” Oralia chided, her voice grating. “Dex has saved your ass more times than you can count.”

“Then maybe he should stop if it’s such a hassle,” she retorted before striding across the courtyard, heels clicking on the stones.

She heard voices murmuring, and she caught Dex telling Brecken to stay with her. She didn’t care if anyone followed her, as long as it wasn’t Dex. And she knew he wouldn’t. He’d want to avoid a scene. Would likely run to Rordan.

The Fae at the doors bowed when she approached, neither of them questioning her as they opened the doors for her. Stepping inside was once again like being transported to another realm. If outside was quaint and welcoming, inside was dark and luscious. Dim lighting along the edges of the floor led her deeper into the villa until it emptied into a large room lined with booths, curtained areas, and a stage in the center.

A brothel.

This was a brothel.

“See anything to your liking, my lady?” came a male voice, and she looked up to find a Legacy standing beside her.

“I, uh…” She trailed off, watching a male and female Fae on the stage, wearing nothing.

“Not to worry. That’s why I’m here. We’ll find you what you like,” he went on. “Do you prefer male? Female? Both? An element preference?”

She suddenly couldn’t find her words. Not because she didn’t know what to say, but because she was angry .

“She is looking for a private room. Second floor,” Brecken cut in smoothly.

The Legacy straightened, looking down his nose at Brecken. “With you?” he said with a sneer.

“If the lady still desires,” Brecken said, eyes fixed on the floor and playing the role they’d been trained to play for two decades.

Submissive.

Subservient.

Docile.

Meek.

Clearing her throat, Tessa said, “Yes. That is what I desire.”

“Of course, my lady. Right this way,” the male said, leading them past booths where Legacy had Fae on their knees and in their laps.

More Fae were being led to the curtained areas, glimpses of Legacy waiting for them as the curtains parted. Grunts of pleasure, soft whimpers, and more assaulted her ears. The more she heard and the more she saw, the more her fury built. A spiral staircase was in the corner, and she followed the Legacy up and along a hall overlooking the activities below. She forced herself to look. To see the tired Fae. The greedy Legacy. Gods, there were even mortals here. The villas apparently catered to every taste and desire.

Placing his palm on a door, she heard it unlock before the Legacy pushed it open and stepped to the side. A lavish bedroom lay beyond, and she couldn’t make her feet move when the male asked, “How long, my lady?”

“What?”

“How long are you booking the room for?”

What was an appropriate answer? She didn’t know. But she couldn’t just stand here or they’d begin to suspect she shouldn’t be here. So, much to her dismay, she thought about how she’d expect Theon to act in this situation.

Her light flared, golden arcs swirling around her. She knew lightning flickered in her eyes and echoed her footsteps as she swept past the male and into the room. “Until I’m done,” was her response, cold and demanding.

The male’s eyes widened a moment before he sputtered, “Of course, my lady,” and hastily shut the door behind him.

The sound of slow clapping had her turning to Brecken.

“Nice job, Tessie,” he said. “For a moment there, I thought you were going to fuck this all up.”

“Shut up,” she snapped, taking a single step towards him. Her entire being was vibrating with fury. “Are all the villas… this ?”

He clasped his hands behind his back, rocking on his toes. “Are they all places for the Legacy to come and fuck? Yep.”

“There are mortals here.”

“Sure are,” he answered, wandering around the room.

“And the Fae?”

“Are assigned to serve the Sirana bloodline,” he answered, but she’d already known that. Jasper had told her exactly where she would have ended up if she hadn’t been…whatever she was.

“And Legacy just…”

“Come here to fuck? Yep. Place orders for exactly what they want. Didn’t you notice none of the Fae or mortals had these?” he asked, holding up his hand where the rose gold ring sat on his pointer finger. “Some of the Legacy even forgo them. They say it makes the experience more intense.”

Her fingers curled into fists, her magic winding tighter around her arms, her chest, her middle.

“What’s on the third level?” Tessa asked from between her teeth.

It was the first time Brecken’s expression changed. This entire time he’d been frank and apathetic, but now something flickered in his dark eyes. “The Fae trying to conceive and those with child.”

“How do you know all this?” Tessa demanded. The eerie ring to her voice had Brecken taking a step back.

“That’s a long story we don’t really have time for right now,” he replied.

“You better fucking make time, Brecken,” she spat, the air in the room stirring.

“I can either tell you a story or give you somewhere to release that fury, Tessa. Your choice,” he answered.

A choice.

That had her pausing.

“Aren’t you supposed to be…”

“Controlling you? I told you before, you were always Dex’s concern. Never mine,” he said, making his way across the room. He reached up, sliding a vase of pink roses on a decor shelf to the side, and a panel in the wall slid open. Looking over his shoulder, he said, “You coming? After your little display of power, they won’t dare come check on you for at least a few hours.”

“And the others?”

“I swore to Dex I’d keep an eye on you while they went to find Lord Jove and Desiray,” he answered. “So I suppose you better come with me so I can keep my word.”

She eyed Brecken, her power still needing a release. Or maybe that was her? “Where does that lead?”

“To some underground tunnels that take us to another villa beyond the manor,” he answered.

“Underground?” she repeated.

Not to mention deeper into the Dreamlock Woods.

“The only way to overcome a fear is to face it,” he said.

“I’m not afraid of going underground,” she bristled.

Brecken arched a brow. “I suppose not. You’re just afraid of being trapped down there. You’re letting your fears become your limits, Tessa. Be who you were meant to be.”

“Stop saying that,” she hissed, making her way to him. “I don’t want to be whoever I was meant to be. I want the freedom to be whoever I want to be.”

“Then take it,” he said before he disappeared into the passage.