Rose in Chains
by Julie Soto
Contents
Chapter 39
Overview
Reeling from the Biltmore executions, Briony wakes to find Toven distant and secretly researching. In the night, Serena and Toven reveal inspectors will perform a medical exam and enact an old ritual to conceal Briony’s virginity. As the portal hums, Orion Hearst arrives, signaling imminent upheaval.
Summary
Briony awakens late on Saturday, body aching from the strain of shielding her mind near Mallow and the trauma of witnessing the executions. She resolves to train her barriers and research the Durlings’ use of magical brands. In the library, she finds Toven amid chaotic research. He rebuffs her offer to help, tense and secretive, though he softens briefly when asking after her.
Briony withdraws to study alone, but exhaustion overtakes her. In the night, Serena and Toven wake her urgently. Serena, shaken, explains that officials will arrive at dawn to conduct a medical examination. Toven opens a portal, and Serena outfits Briony in a silk gown and a humming crystal necklace, initiating an old ritual once used to protect daughters.
Serena states the exam can detect virginity, which would set Briony’s price at auction, so they will remove that sign. Serena and Briony share consecrated water as part of the spell while Toven watches the clock, revealing that his frantic research was to find this exact solution.
As the ritual concludes at two in the morning, the portal sizzles. Orion Hearst steps through, arriving at the critical moment, implying the situation is about to escalate.
Who Appears
- Briony RosewoodExhausted after the executions; seeks research; undergoes a ritual to conceal virginity before a medical inspection.
- Toven HearstDistant and driven; secretly researches a ritual; opens a portal; helps orchestrate the deception for the exam.
- Serena HearstAnxious but decisive; leads the ritual to mask Briony’s virginity ahead of the morning inspection.
- Orion HearstArrives through Toven’s portal at the climax of the ritual, signaling new developments.