Chapter 16

Toven leads Briony into the opulent Hearst Hall and, to her surprise, places her in a comfortable second-floor bedroom rather than a cell. When Briony fears sexual bonding and presses about the heartspring ritual and the fates of the Eversuns, Toven deflects, locks the door, and leaves her isolated.

The house answers Briony’s unspoken needs, delivering food and later a magically written list detailing who purchased specific Eversuns, including Cordelia to Riann Cohle and Jellica to Canning Trow. Missing names, like Sammy Meers and the general, deepen her dread. Grief over Rory overwhelms her; she eats little and cries herself to sleep.

Over several days, Briony scans her limited bookshelf, stares out at the grounds, and studies what she knows of heartsprings, collars, and the tattoo binding her to the property. She recalls Finn removing Larissa’s tattoo and wonders how Toven anticipated it. Repeatedly, Briony tests the locked door and unbreakable window, throws objects, and dreams of Rory, Cordelia, and Didion.

By the sixth day, Briony has stopped bathing and changing. Then Serena Hearst enters, curtly insisting Briony eat and exercise because a healthy heartspring strengthens Toven’s magic. Serena orders Briony to come, leaves the door open, and Briony realizes she is finally being taken out of the room.