Chapter Fifteen

As dozens of ghouls spring their trap, Fitz flees while Harry stands to buy him time. Overrun, Harry loses his staff and is mauled under a crushing pile, realizing the ambush’s coordination isn’t typical ghoul behavior. Bear arrives in a brutal charge, smashing ghouls aside but cannot stem the growing tide.

Locked in a desperate struggle, Harry meets Bear’s intense gaze and glimpses her Valkyrie nature in a soulgaze, rallying himself to keep fighting. A pure horn call—Rabbi Aaronson’s shofar—shocks the ghouls, followed by a surge of disciplined gunfire and lights that scatter the pack.

Daniel Carpenter leads an armed unit wearing silver Celtic crosses, executing retreats, finishing wounded ghouls, and applying holy fluids to the corpses. Bear decapitates a ghoul Harry pins, and the attackers break; only a few escape into the ruins. Medics begin treating Harry’s wounds as the scene is secured.

Michael Carpenter, Father Forthill, and Rabbi Aaronson join Daniel. They explain the Brotherhood of St. Brigid, an ad hoc church militia formed to confront the city’s darkness. Daniel admits past mistakes but asserts their intent: “We’re here to help.”

Harry thanks them, acknowledging that someone likely coordinated the ambush, but notes the upside: many ghouls were culled and survivors will carry the warning. Bear affirms her role as Harry’s bodyguard, and the new alliance stands ready for further battles.