Chapter Eight

At sunrise, Corrine photographs Cleo’s yoga sequence while Sonya, Trey, and Owen look on. Afterward, Trey departs for poker night, and Corrine schedules future shoots for Owen and Trey. Inside, over coffee and cake, Corrine views the growing brides’ portrait gallery. She and Sonya discuss Jack’s drawing and Johanna’s memory, then review Cleo’s proofs.

Sonya turns to work, shaping a website proposal for Dr. Nia Lawrence’s family practice. As Cleo paints outside, Sonya hears faint female voices and is drawn to Winter’s guest room, which transforms into the past: Catherine, in bridal white, sits as her mother, Arabelle Poole, brushes her hair. Catherine recounts her joyful wedding night with William Cabot, then the spring-dream illusion that lured her into the storm where Hester Dobbs stole her ring and life. Catherine declares the rings remain the brides’ and can be recovered, insisting Sonya must reclaim them.

Cleo arrives, having sensed Clover’s warning. Outside in the sun, Sonya and Cleo process the vision. Cleo reframes the message as confirmation: the brides cannot be saved, but their rings can be taken back. The encounter deepens Sonya’s emotional connection and determination.

Later, after Sonya finishes and sends her proposal and forwards Corrine’s photos to Ryder, the Gold Room door bursts open amid an illusion of storm, shattering glass, bleeding walls, and rising fire. Dobbs declares doom, but Sonya hurls one of Cleo’s hag stones, striking Dobbs and causing visible pain. The illusion vanishes; the hall is pristine. Cleo identifies the stone as protective, notes possible blood on it, and confirms Dobbs avoided the studio, proving limits.

Shaken but resolute, Sonya pockets a second hag stone. The friends choose wine and caution, with Cleo keeping a covered work-in-progress and checking the closet where they expect Catherine’s portrait to someday appear.