11. Henry

Henry brings Harlow to Guardian’s Crossing to meet Bryce and Carter. As they drink, Bryce’s leering provokes Henry’s jealousy, exposing Henry’s conflicted attraction. Harlow flirts strategically at the bar, displaying intimacy with the bartender and drawing the room’s attention—leverage Henry notes.

Sitting with them, Harlow explains her visit is to mine contacts for information about the engagement-dinner bombing. She reports a tip from the bar about a rebel gathering spot near North Hold, in Mayor Rafe Mattingly’s territory. Harlow suspects Rafe may be Rochelli or baiting the Carrenwells. She outlines Lunameade’s politics: the mayor’s ceremonial role versus her family’s magical duty to maintain the boundaries against the Drained.

Prompted by questions, Harlow details the Blood Well system—newborn aura witnessing, schooling for the blessed, and increased bleeding days due to rising Drained threats—arguing public resentment fuels the rebellion. She challenges Henry’s family’s innocence by noting he moved before the blast, but he deflects.

Discussion shifts to magic. Harlow identifies Bryce’s and Carter’s blessings by aura and admits she was previously married to Marc Beckley, now deceased. When pressed about her own gift, she reveals her blessing is from Harvain, startling the men. Harlow also hints she can tell when Henry lies, rattling him as he conceals Mountain Haven’s secrets.

As the bar’s patrons continue ogling Harlow, Henry battles possessiveness while Harlow keeps pushing his buttons. A signal from the bartender warns that city guards are close. To avoid being found conspiring, Harlow cloaks herself and slips out the back, leaving Henry without the further answers he wanted.