Chapter One

Harry Dresden wakes before dawn, wracked by grief over Karrin Murphy’s death and trauma from Chicago’s recent cataclysm. He imposes routine—hygiene, stretching, making the bed—to counter the mental pain that far outweighs his healing physical injuries. He heads to the castle kitchen, where he and Will Borden share coffee and plan breakfast and training.

Harry reflects on the refugees he shelters—families, Knights of the Bean, and homeless kids—while the Little Folk quietly guard him, having thwarted a recent bombing attempt. Will reviews the day: a noon consult with Michael on castle renovations and, crucially, Harry’s first date with Lara Raith that evening.

Later, Harry drifts into numbed rumination about his arranged engagement to Lara, ordered by Queen Mab. Molly, the Winter Lady, enters and gauges his frayed condition. She comforts him as he admits to relentless nightmares and exhaustion, and she recounts her own descent after believing she caused her mentor’s death, warning Harry against self-punishment and destructive choices.

Molly probes Harry’s susceptibility to the White Court’s seductive “surcease.” Harry confronts the temptation but steps back from it by focusing on his daughter, Maggie, and their bond. He assures Molly he won’t surrender to Lara’s hunger.

Molly confirms Winter enforcers will intervene if Lara breaks the first-date agreement by using supernatural allure. Despite Molly’s concerns about Lara’s intelligence and manipulative skill—and Harry’s track record—Harry steadies himself. He commits to proceed, aiming to stay focused and clear-headed.