Contents
20. Henry
Overview
Three days after Harlow secludes herself, Henry wrestles jealousy, pressure from his people, and a public challenge from Stefan. A coded message from Lunameade hints at urgency. Advised by Bryce and Carter, Henry infers Harlow is unwell and leverages trust: he convinces Gaven and takes Harlow, blindfolded, to the secret Mountain Well.
Summary
Henry stews over Harlow’s three-day seclusion, jealous that Kyrin refuses to leave her side and unconvinced by claims that she is praying. On a cold run with Bryce and Carter, he obsesses over her abrupt exit from dinner. A dove from Lunameade brings a note that appears innocuous until Carter notes Able’s birthday timing is wrong, suggesting a coded urgency for Harlow to return.
On the trail, Stefan confronts Henry over killing Seth, calling him a traitor. With Bryce and Carter braced to fight, Henry resists taking the bait, citing a larger strategy and refusing an informal challenge that could fracture support. Stefan escalates with vulgar threats; Henry masters his temper, remembering Holly and the cost of losing control, and walks away.
At a ruined shrine, the friends debrief: jealousy over hunt night flares, and Carter urges Henry to visit the recovery room. Bryce reports kitchen gossip that Harlow’s trays always return with all the ice gone, leading them to suspect illness. Carter pushes Henry to build trust by offering something tangible instead of pressure.
Henry decides to reveal a closely guarded secret: the Mountain Well. Bathed and calmer, he confronts Gaven at Harlow’s door. When bluster fails, Henry discloses that Mountain Haven’s well is the source that feeds the famed Blood Well, arguing it will ready Harlow for the demanding wedding rites. Gaven, protective but pragmatic, relents.
Inside, Henry finds Harlow pale but composed, deflecting his concern with sarcasm. He invites her to the well; she agrees after a glance to Gaven. Dismissing the guard, Henry blindfolds Harlow to conceal the route and guides her through twisting corridors and down into the hidden entrance, wagering that this offering will finally pierce her defenses.
Who Appears
- Henry HavenwoodHeir of Mountain Haven; restrains rage with Stefan, deduces Harlow’s illness, and leads her to the secret Mountain Well.
- Harlow CarrenwellSecluded and pale after a pain episode; deflects concern but agrees to visit the Mountain Well.
- GavenHarlow’s bodyguard; blocks Henry until the Mountain Well is offered, then permits access.
- BryceHenry’s friend; hotheaded but helpful, shares kitchen rumor about Harlow’s constant ice use.
- CarterHenry’s friend; steadies Henry’s temper and advises offering trust via the Mountain Well.
- Stefan LaurenceRival from an influential family; confronts Henry over Seth’s death, tries to provoke a fight.
- Kyrin (Ky)Henry’s wolf; loyally guards Harlow during her seclusion, fueling Henry’s jealousy.
- ZachStefan’s ally; present to support Stefan’s attempted provocation.
- DarrenStefan’s ally; accompanies Stefan in confronting Henry.