The Inheritance Games, #3
The Final Gambit
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 18
Overview
Avery decides Rebecca should not face Eve’s arrival alone and tells Thea that Eve looks exactly like Emily and wants to meet Rebecca’s mother. Thea masks her concern with sarcasm, but the revelation clearly affects Thea and reinforces Thea’s commitment to Rebecca.
The chapter shifts support toward Rebecca, showing Avery willing to risk Rebecca’s anger to protect her emotionally. It also underscores how Eve’s resemblance to Emily is disrupting not only the Hawthornes but everyone connected to Emily’s past.
Summary
After Rebecca leaves the tunnels, Avery remains there briefly to consider what to do. Avery then returns to Hawthorne House through a hidden staircase into the Great Room and calls Thea Calligaris once Avery has cell reception.
Thea answers with her usual sarcasm, joking that Avery must need fashion help or that one or more Hawthornes are having meltdowns. Avery explains the situation: Eve looks exactly like Emily, Rebecca and Eve have met, and Eve wants to meet Rebecca’s mother.
The news unsettles Thea, though Thea tries to hide vulnerability behind humor and sharpness. Thea immediately understands that Rebecca did not want Avery to tell her, but Thea does not dismiss the seriousness of what Rebecca is facing.
Avery asks whether Thea will call Rebecca. Thea acknowledges that Rebecca may avoid the call but says she will call anyway, making clear that Thea intends to keep choosing Rebecca rather than let Rebecca pull away. Avery asks Thea to take care of Rebecca, and Thea promises that she will.
Who Appears
- Avery GrambsCalls Thea despite Rebecca’s wishes, hoping to get Rebecca emotional support.
- Thea CalligarisReceives Avery’s news, hides concern with sarcasm, and commits to contacting Rebecca.
- Rebecca LaughlinAbsent after leaving the tunnels, but central as the person Thea plans to support.
- EveHer resemblance to Emily and wish to meet Rebecca’s mother drive Avery’s call.
- Emily LaughlinDeceased figure whose exact likeness in Eve unsettles Thea and Rebecca.