Chapter Twenty

On the castle roof, Harry spars hard with Will under Bear’s instruction and gets thoroughly beaten. Bear critiques Harry’s all-offense mindset, while Harry notes Will’s growth into a disciplined warrior. Will declares he will join any hunt for the Black Court. He reveals accelerated healing and heightened senses since the battle, and Harry senses Will’s strengthened aura, worrying he may have amplified allies during the city’s magical upheaval.

Bear departs to check on a trainee as Harry cools down. Warden Ilyana arrives and, under suspicion of black magic, touches Harry to test his aura. The Winter mantle stirs, but Harry warns her about guest-right and threatens to remove her if she repeats the violation. Ramirez arrives, orders Ilyana back to Edinburgh, and stays to speak with Harry.

Harry hands Ramirez Drakul’s card and address, recounting the encounter. They agree Drakul has effectively granted legal grounds for pursuit, but Harry admits he recently misfired in a ghoul fight and is not ready. Ramirez recognizes Harry’s grief over Murphy and the compounded pressures—Drakul’s killings, Chicago’s ruin, housing displaced people, tension with Lara, and Council scrutiny—urging balance Harry cannot take.

They discuss Murphy’s death and Rudolph’s panicked shot; Harry confesses he nearly killed Rudolph and drove him out of town, understanding how the trauma has knotted his magic. Ramirez then reveals the Wardens’ informant network has flagged small instances of black magic in Chicago, prompting Ilyana’s aura check.

Harry asks for time to contain the situation without more bloodshed. Ramirez, as regional commander but under heavy oversight, grants a short window while warning that a Warden contingent—or even the Blackstaff—could arrive if things worsen. Harry accepts the risk, hoping he can stabilize his city and himself.