Chapter Eleven

Trey attends Brandon Wise’s arraignment, noting Brandon’s polished facade and unruly outbursts. The judge rejects the “misunderstanding” defense tone, grants bail with limits, and chastises Brandon for disparaging Sonya in court. Outside, Trey confirms with prosecutor Derrick Morley that a plea is likely.

The deal materializes quickly: a $2,000 fine, eighteen months’ probation, and mandatory anger management with strict no-contact terms. Trey updates his family—Deuce and Ace—who approve, valuing Sonya’s avoidance of trial. Ace teases Trey to propose to Sonya. Trey then calls Sonya, giving her relief and a sense of closure.

At the manor, Sonya decompresses, shares the news with Winter and Cleo, and finds Jack’s sweet painting of their pets. While gathering flowers, she spots a whale offshore—then Dobbs’s vulture bursts from the Gold Room window. Sonya drops everything to protect Yoda and Pyewacket, but both charge the apparition. Pyewacket rakes it midair; the vulture dissolves in sulfurous smoke, leaving the cat with painful ice burns on her paws.

Cleo arrives and, with Sonya, begins treating Pyewacket using warmed compresses. Trey and Owen rush in, take over calmly, and continue applications until the burns lighten. Pye rallies, accepts treats, and limps outside to rest, while Cleo wrestles anger at Dobbs’s cruelty.

As dinner prep resumes, they appreciate Jack’s improving art and discuss how some spirits—Jack, Clover, Molly—adapt in the present while Dobbs repeats a loop. Sonya senses this difference is an important puzzle piece for defeating Dobbs. They end the evening grounded: cooking together, resetting protections, and finding steadiness after the scare.