Chapter Thirty-Eight

Days after earlier events, Lara arrives at midnight with Freydis, while Bear and Freydis secure the door. Harry leads Lara to his lab, both dressed down, and they discuss Etri’s offer: public apology, surrendering Thomas to a neutral custodian, and formal judgment. Lara admits she cannot comply without weakening her rule and inviting challenges within the White Court. Harry reasons Etri cannot bend publicly yet may still want to avoid war, suggesting they seek a nontraditional solution that satisfies svartalf pride and protocols.

They shift focus to Thomas. Harry has upgraded a costly greater circle and needs to stress-test it. He asks Lara—already dangerously Hungry from extended restraint—to lose control inside the circle so he can gauge what Thomas’s rescue will require. Lara warns that once her Hunger takes over, it will try to reach him and kill him; Harry asserts confidence in the circle.

Harry seals the greater circle. Lara’s Hunger rises, her eyes turning mirror-silver as waves of lustful psychic pressure slam the barrier. The containment holds. The Hunger probes for weaknesses, assaults Harry’s mind, and recognizes him as Starborn. Harry rebukes it with controlled strikes of will, then channels energy into the circle to feed it.

The magical flow becomes a two-way pull, threatening to drag life-force from Harry if his focus slips. He maintains strict control, steadily feeding the ravenous Hunger while resisting the undertow. After hours, the pressure eases; Lara’s Hunger subsides toward torpor. Harry tapers the energy, and Lara curls up and falls into exhausted sleep.

Evaluating the outcome, Harry concludes the method can pacify a powerful Hunger and might save Thomas; failing that, the circle could excise it. When Lara wakes, she is shaken, avoids his eyes, and abruptly flees, leaving Harry puzzled by her reaction.