Chapter Sixteen

Harry takes Maggie trick-or-treating in Michael and Charity Carpenter’s well-guarded neighborhood, where the community recreates a safe Halloween. Maggie, dressed as Princess Leia with Mouse as a droid stand-in and young Harry Carpenter as Luke, worries about boarding at St. Mark’s. Harry promises frequent visits and summers together, and Maggie wishes him a happy birthday, briefly restoring normalcy.

That night, Bear drives Harry and Molly to the Raith estate’s Halloween gala. In the car, Molly presses Harry about his magic failing during the ghoul ambush, diagnosing that unresolved grief over Karrin is sabotaging his belief and will. Harry lashes out, then apologizes; Molly urges him to talk to someone, even Michael, and he admits to recurring trauma dreams and repeated awakenings to Karrin’s loss. She notes forgiveness took her time and guidance.

As they arrive, Molly reluctantly relays Mab’s order that Harry must “throw himself to the lions,” underscoring the night’s political stakes. Inside the manor’s volcanic-lit revel, a spotlight triggers Harry’s PTSD; he nearly unleashes power before Molly steadies him. He declines using the mantle to numb himself, preferring clarity around Lara, and they proceed arm in arm into the ballroom.

Announced formally as the Winter Lady and Winter Knight, they’re greeted by Freydis, Lara’s Valkyrie security lead, who explains White Court interest in seducing Harry to undermine Lara. She escorts them through a decadent scene to an alcove where Lara, styled as Galadriel, receives them. Lara and Molly exchange polite but strained words, and Lara suggests taking champagne to the garden to talk privately.

Before they can exit, the master of ceremonies interrupts the music to announce Drakul. The revelation halts their plans and signals a powerful new presence at the gathering, sharply escalating the danger and political tension of the night.