Rose in Chains
by Julie Soto
Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Hours before the eclipse disaster, Briony prepares Rory to anchor a unified protection shield linking the lake, castle, and school. She urges him to kill Veronika Mallow if needed, even with outlawed Heartstop. Briony rejects Didion’s plea for a favor, the troops depart, and Mallow’s dragon tests Rory’s boundary as the eclipse begins.
Summary
Six hours earlier, Briony distracts herself by shaping tea steam as she waits for war news. Rory visits, and their banter turns serious as Briony confirms the plan: Rory will anchor a unified protection shield for the lake, Claremore Castle, and Eversun school by using lake water to link the sites through Rosewood warding.
They debate the prophecy of the Heir Twice Over. Briony urges finality against Veronika Mallow, warning Rory he may need to use the outlawed Heartstop if nothing else works, despite its toll. The last dragon—Mallow’s familiar—circles, a reminder of Mallow’s augmented power and rumored mind-reading through the bond.
Didion arrives seeking a goodbye and a token of Briony’s favor; she deflects, citing duty and the possibility of a political marriage after the war. Their awkward parting underscores Briony’s refusal to promise a future while the realm’s fate is undecided.
In the courtyard, Finola departs via portal, General Meers coordinates with Anna, and Sammy Meers grandstands before rejoining the troops. Briony withholds an emotional farewell from Rory, insisting they will reunite within hours.
As the soldiers leave, the sky darkens with the oncoming eclipse. A black dragon beats the air above the castle, shrieking but unable to penetrate Rory’s active boundary. Briony feels the threat in her bones, foreshadowing the calamity to come.
Who Appears
- Briony RosewoodPrincess and mind magician; devises Rory’s linked shield plan, urges decisive action against Mallow, declines Didion’s favor, and witnesses the dragon test the boundary.
- Rory RosewoodHeir and king-to-be; prepares to anchor the protection shield, struggles with prophecy and the prospect of using Heartstop before leading troops out.
- Didion WinchesterBriony’s on-and-off suitor; seeks a favor and commitment before battle, which Briony refuses, leaving him stung.
- Veronika MallowBomardi leader bonded to the last dragon; her power and tactics drive Briony’s counsel to Rory to end the war decisively.
- CordeliaBriony’s best friend and Rory’s fiancée; shares a tender farewell with Rory before the march.
- General Billium MeersEversun general favoring aggressive tactics; sidelines Briony from strategy meetings, oversees troop departure.
- Anna WevinBriony’s guard; respected by the general, maintains protective vigilance during departures.
- FinolaBriony’s cousin; departs via portal on undisclosed mission before the battle.
- Sammy MeersThe general’s son; theatrically refuses Briony’s ‘favor’ and flirts with Anna before bearing the Eversun flag.
- The DragonMallow’s familiar; circles the castle and tests Rory’s protection boundary as the eclipse begins.