Chapter Twenty-Six

December becomes a busy, happy period as Harry clears a room for Maggie and spends weeks with her while continuing Fitz’s intensive training. Maggie and Mouse watch sessions; Maggie jokes about spell words, highlighting Harry’s emphasis on discipline and the permanence of magical “neural pathways.”

On Christmas Eve and morning at the Carpenters’, spirits visit, gifts are exchanged, and family gathers. Ebenezar arrives, and Maggie bonds with Little Harry while testing her new bike. Michael and Ebenezar discuss the city’s recovery and review the battle, while Harry keeps his distance from the topic. Michael confirms spring timelines for house modifications; Harry admits he’s living off “ill-gotten gains” and lacks real investments.

Molly joins Harry on the porch. She describes adapting to her Winter Lady duties and hints at hard-won authority. Sensing Harry’s exhaustion, she asks whether he wants to live. She admits Winter lets her feel updates about him, implying Mab likely knows his emotional state too, which unsettles Harry.

They confront Harry’s grief and rage over Murphy’s death and his hatred for Rudolph. Molly observes he has not let Murphy go. Harry refuses vengeance, acknowledging it would not bring her back. Molly reveals Mab’s message: the Wild Hunt and Mab’s steed are at Harry’s disposal to kill Rudolph. Harry vividly imagines the hunt—but denies it with “Not today.”

Molly affirms she feels the same rage yet wants Harry to remain himself. Harry forces the mantle-driven fury down as the children play nearby, choosing restraint and a path back toward life, however uncertain.