Chapter Twenty-Three: Dobbs Attacks During Yoga – Sonya Stands Firm

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Sonya wakes early, determined to do yoga to ease her sore muscles. Trey teases her about her energy but expresses how much she has brought the heart back to the manor. She begins a guided yoga session in the basement gym. During the Warrior poses, Dobbs’s voice invades the recording, taunting Sonya as weak and telling her to drown herself in the sea. The instructor’s image turns grotesque: blood pours, bones crack, and exercise bands hiss like snakes. The lights cut out, the door slams shut, and the servant’s bell rings mockingly. Sonya, having left her phone upstairs, feels trapped. But Clover’s hand suddenly covers hers, whispering that Dobbs lies and that Sonya is stronger. Emboldened, Sonya shouts insults at Dobbs, daring her to fight in person. The lights flicker back on, and she opens the door to find Trey, who was alerted by Clover. Back in the kitchen, Sonya recounts the encounter; Trey and Cleo praise her bravery. Sonya concludes that Dobbs cannot directly kill her—she must trick victims into suicide. She vows to reclaim the rings. Later, Sonya helps finalize the Bayside Lotions and Potions website with Hogan, then takes a walk. Trey meets Owen for lunch, sharing the story; they agree that Sonya is the one who will find the way through.

Key Events

Sonya wakes early and begins a yoga session in the gym.
Dobbs manifests through the yoga instructor’s voice and image, taunting Sonya and urging suicide.
The room goes dark and cold; the door locks; the servant’s bell rings.
Clover appears and encourages Sonya, saying Dobbs lies.
Sonya yells insults at Dobbs, daring her to face her.
The lights return; Trey arrives as Sonya opens the door.
Sonya explains the attack to Trey and Cleo in the kitchen.
Trey declares his love; Cleo calls Sonya an Amazon.
Sonya affirms that Dobbs cannot kill her directly.
Sonya works on the website, then walks outside, noticing autumn colors.
Trey and Owen discuss the attack; they resolve that Sonya will find a way to end the curse.

Character Development

Sonya MacTavish: Shows immense courage. She refuses to be intimidated, turns fear into defiance, and proves she can resist Dobbs’s psychological manipulation. Her determination to reclaim the rings intensifies.
Trey: Demonstrates protective love and trust. He carries Sonya upstairs, listens to her story, and openly admits he adores her brave, reckless side. He makes a conscious choice to let her handle the fight.
Cleo: Provides unwavering support and comic relief. She calls Sonya a “motherfucking woman” and plans a celebratory dinner, symbolizing her role as emotional anchor.
Clover: Acts as a guardian spirit. She physically intervenes and reminds Sonya of her strength, reinforcing the presence of the brides.
Dobbs: Reveals her limitations. She can cause terror and psychological attacks but cannot force self-harm. Her desperation grows as Sonya stands firm.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Fear and Courage: Dobbs tries to exploit Sonya’s fear of being alone and weak, but Sonya’s defiance transforms fear into fuel. The yoga mat becomes a battleground of will.
Unity vs. Isolation: Dobbs tells Sonya she will die alone, but the brides and Clover prove otherwise. Sonya’s triumph is communal, not solitary.
The Limits of the Curse: The attack confirms that Dobbs cannot directly kill a Poole descendant. She must trick them into taking their own lives, which Sonya refuses.
Seasonal Change: The appearance of autumn leaves on the weeper tree signals a shift in the manor’s energy and the passage of time toward the eventual resolution.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point in Sonya’s confrontation with Dobbs. For the first time, Sonya not only resists but actively challenges the ghost, forcing a retreat. The attack proves Dobbs is growing more desperate as the manor brightens. Sonya’s victory strengthens her resolve and her belief that she can recover the missing rings. It also deepens her bond with Trey, Cleo, and the brides, setting the stage for the final act of the story.

Study Questions and Answers

Q: What does Dobbs try to make Sonya do during the yoga attack, and why can’t she simply kill Sonya?
A: Dobbs urges Sonya to commit suicide by drowning or by using an exercise band. The curse prevents Dobbs from directly harming a descendant; she can only manipulate them into self-destruction.
Q: How does Clover help Sonya overcome her fear?
A: Clover physically touches Sonya’s hand and whispers that Dobbs lies and that Sonya is stronger. This reminder sparks Sonya’s defiance, allowing her to shout back at Dobbs.
Q: What does Trey’s lunch conversation with Owen reveal about their plans?
A: Trey expresses frustration at not being able to end the threat directly. Owen believes Sonya is uniquely positioned to find the way through, a sentiment Trey shares, confirming they will support her approach.