Chapter One

Before dawn, Hester Dobbs floods Lost Bride Manor with re-creations of the seven brides’ deaths. Sonya feels the brides’ terror as Astrid bleeds, Johanna falls, and the first Collin Poole hangs himself, while the last Collin lies broken beside Johanna. Overwhelmed but furious, Sonya insists Dobbs is tormenting them anew to feed on fear.

Led by Trey, the group—Sonya, Trey, Owen, and Cleo—forms a circle and sings Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender.” As their defiance builds, the lights flicker and doors slam, but the agony ebbs, and the apparitions vanish. Quiet returns, the pets calm, and they breathe again.

Trey and Owen discuss the last Collin’s death, concluding he tripped while ill and unsteady, likely startled by a vision of Johanna—an accident, not suicide or murder. They reaffirm the strategy: find the seven stolen rings to banish Dobbs, while accepting that Sonya must face the mirror’s visions, sometimes with only Owen able to accompany her.

Seeking normalcy, Cleo cooks breakfast as music cues from the spirits continue; Clover playfully signals via songs, assuring she’s “still standing.” The four share food, small plans, and resolve. Cleo reminds Trey and Owen that Sonya won’t break; rage, not fear, will drive their fight. They agree to stick close and keep bringing life into the manor.

After a shower, Sonya finds clothes thoughtfully laid out by Molly’s caring spirit and reflects on the helpful dead—Jack, Jerome, Eleanor—who belong to the house. In her library office, Sonya speaks to Clover, apologizes for the stolen futures, and vows to make it right. With a final musical sign and her resolve set, Sonya turns to work, committed to endure the mirror, recover the rings, and end the curse.