diff --git a/templates/book_chapter.yml b/templates/book_chapter.yml
index 82b5b64..c8ce4cc 100644
--- a/templates/book_chapter.yml
+++ b/templates/book_chapter.yml
@@ -358,6 +358,14 @@ steps:
       ## Active World Events
       - [Event]: [status and timeline]
 
+      ══ SECRET CARRY-FORWARD RULE ══
+      Before submitting, check the PASS 0 context for any "Known secrets:" fields or
+      "CARRIED SECRET" markers from the PREVIOUS character-state file.
+      For each secret that was NOT resolved or revealed in THIS chapter's PASS 1 prose:
+        → Copy it forward unchanged into the character's "Known secrets:" field.
+        → Prefix it: "CARRIED (Ch[N]—unresolved): [secret]"
+      This ensures multi-chapter secrets are NOT silently dropped between chapters.
+
       FINAL SELF-CHECK before submitting: Scan your output for Kaelen's name.
       If he has a Location, Physical, or Emotional field — delete them. He is dead.
       If any other character is noted as DECEASED in PASS 0 — apply the same rule.