Rose in Chains
by Julie Soto
Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
At Biltmore, a midnight “Summer Cannon” becomes a public execution led by Veronika Mallow: the strawberry‑blonde messenger and her brother are killed as traitors. Briony nearly breaks, but Toven grounds her and extracts her. Ilana quietly recovers Briony’s hidden note. The horror hardens Briony’s resolve for vengeance.
Summary
Briony returns to Biltmore with Toven, carrying a tiny reply note under her collar. She scans for the strawberry‑blonde messenger while maintaining their practiced intimacy for cover. The dinner remains mostly uneventful until talk of a “Summer Cannon” signals a coming spectacle.
As guests are herded outside, Veronika Mallow intercepts Toven and Briony and insists they attend. On a platform with Bomardi elites, Briony spots the strawberry‑blonde and her teen brother bound at the ledge. Mr. Vein denounces them for aiding rebels and attempting the boy’s escape. Mallow sentences them to painful death.
Realizing the execution is unrelated to her hidden note, Briony panics, fearing discovery and the end of the covert network. Toven anchors her with dissociative imagery as the cannon obliterates the brother and then the sister, forcing Briony to compartmentalize the trauma.
Reeling, Briony is guided off the platform. At the steps, Ilana steadies her and deftly removes the concealed note from Briony’s collar. Toven then portals Briony to his bedroom, checks her, and holds her while she breaks down.
When Briony regains control, she hardens with purpose, vowing to make Mallow and the Bomardi pay. Toven silently affirms her resolve.
Who Appears
- Briony RosewoodHeartspring posing as Toven’s companion; witnesses a public execution, nearly breaks, is grounded by Toven, and vows revenge.
- Toven HearstGuides Briony through the event, shields her mind with grounding imagery, portals her away, and supports her afterward.
- Veronika MallowBomardi leader who orchestrates the Summer Cannon execution and commands obedience from the crowd.
- IlanaBarlowe Girl who discreetly removes Briony’s hidden note during the post-execution chaos.
- Strawberry‑blonde messengerNon‑magical servant who passed rebel communications; executed by cannon after being exposed.
- Strawberry‑blonde’s brotherYoung non‑magical servant, aligned with Rory’s army; executed first to punish his sister.
- Mr. VeinAuctioneer-like announcer who denounces the siblings and conducts the execution ceremony.
- Larissa (as Juliana)Shapeshifts into the president’s daughter to attend; observes events from Finn Raquin’s side.
- Finn RaquinBomardi guest at dinner, present during the lead-up to the execution.
- LiamBomardi guest who signals the upcoming Summer Cannon spectacle.
- Canning TrowBomardi guest who mocks Briony and enjoys the promised ‘show.’