Chapter 24

Finn, Canning, and Liam enter Toven’s library, blocking the exit. Canning insists Briony stay, challenging Toven’s authority. The men trade barbs about Toven’s injuries, Briony’s status, and heartsprings. They toast Mallow. Liam reveals he’s been sent to request obscure ward texts concerning the portal boundary and an incident at Ashmont.

Canning grows handsy, pushing for Toven to share Briony and referencing an elixir used on other captives. To extract Briony, Toven spills whiskey on her to justify sending her away, but Canning forces a confrontation. Under pressure, Toven orders Briony to undress. He then performs an intimate, degrading display—licking whiskey from her skin—to assert exclusive claim and end the threat, after which he sends her to clean up.

Alone, Briony scalds herself in the bath, both shaken and analyzing what she learned: Liam’s search for boundary wards and Ashmont, and the wider abuse of Eversuns. Toven later admits weekend parties are Bomardi revels where heartsprings are displayed and exploited; he says Cordelia no longer attends and tells Briony to be smart. They agree to appear once to satisfy expectations.

On Friday, Toven brings Briony a revealing green silk dress and promises she will stay close to him with only minimal contact. He portals them to the night’s venue without warning. Wind and surf reveal the destination: Biltmore Palace—Briony’s former home—raising the stakes of their public appearance.