Chapter Two

Harry surveys a devastated Chicago: electronics ruined by Ethniu’s Eye of Balor pulse, services strained, crime rising, and citizens wary. He rides a Winter carriage, enduring hostile stares as the “town wizard,” and arrives at an impromptu supernatural market outside McAnally’s Pub.

Lara Raith arrives separately with her security, and the two make a deliberate public entrance, signaling the Winter–White Court alliance. Inside, under Mac’s subtly warded peace, they take coffee while Harry scans the curated crowd of witnesses.

Lara gauges Harry’s exhaustion and urges him to consider leaving; Harry refuses, citing responsibility for people under his protection. When Lara offers help, Harry cautiously lists urgent needs: beds, a doctor, antibiotics, insulin, and painkillers—plus more time. Lara notes the request and promises to pursue solutions.

Harry shares that he tried tracking Justine using a lock of hair Goodman Grey had preserved, sensing she is far away—likely Europe. Lara corroborates a Romania sighting. On Thomas, Harry reports that Demonreach keeps him in a coma-like stasis while his body heals and his Hunger is contained; he’s researching a longer-term fix.

Pressed on her motives, Lara admits multiple, pragmatic reasons—political optics, safeguarding a potential future food source, easing tensions over Thomas, and needing Harry at full strength. She also suggests, to Harry’s surprise, that sometimes she helps simply because it’s right.