Chapter 32

In Toven’s room, he warns Briony that Canning has undermined his attempt to shield her by inviting Carvin and Reighven to a private gathering and announcing she will take elixir at Biltmore. He argues public expectations and status jockeying make the event dangerous, despite his influence being limited.

Toven proposes that if Briony teaches Larissa cloaking this week, Larissa will attend Biltmore in Briony’s place going forward. Briony insists on shared decision-making and questions why she cannot attend if penetrative sex is avoidable. Toven cites other sexual expectations; Briony counters his condescension about her experience.

Provoked, Toven demands proof via mind-magic, asking to see a memory of Briony with Didion. Briony resists, then challenges him to “open” instead. He penetrates her mind, brushes past memories, and she pushes back, entering an illusion he crafts: a slow, explicit scene of her performing oral sex on him, presented as instruction.

The charged exchange exposes mutual desire and Toven’s formidable mental defenses. As the illusion crests, Toven severs the connection and abruptly leaves the room, avoiding further discussion. Briony is left aching, with the Biltmore plan unresolved and their power dynamic further complicated.