Chapter Thirty-One

In the days after two more Brotherhood members are cursed, messengers interrupt Harry’s nightly rituals to summon him. On Thursday, the next victim is Daniel Carpenter. Harry uses his refined curse-breaking technique—akin to the one he designed for Lara—to end Daniel’s agony, leaving him exhausted but alive. Michael tends his son, and Father Forthill and armed Brotherhood members look on.

Tension erupts when Carl, a furious Brotherhood member, accuses Harry of causing the attacks. Bear silently prepares to intervene, but Harry stays calm at Michael’s urging, stressing clear thinking over anger. Carl storms out with others, and Forthill vows to speak with him. Harry notes the black curse’s severity, the risk of Wardens detecting its residue, and the need to identify the source.

Harry gathers details: the attacks occur after dark, with Daniel struck near McAnally’s, close to the bazaar recently hit by mundanes. He and Bear visit every site. Using wizard senses and beeswax votive tests, Harry confirms the same purplish energy signature at each location, indicating a single caster or cohesive group.

Discussing range and methods—line of sight, poppets, and practical limitations—Harry and Bear observe all sites cluster within roughly a mile. Triangulating distances on a city map, Harry identifies the most equidistant block. The focal point lands by Bock Ordered Books, suggesting the attacker is operating from that vicinity.