Contents
17. Henry
Overview
During the feast-night hunt, Henry pursues Miriam but is interrupted by Harlow, provoking jealousy and sexual tension. He pulls Harlow into the woods where they witness Bryce’s consensual rough play, confronting her with Mountain Haven customs. Back at the manor they argue over control and trust, and Henry suspects Harlow and Gaven are working together.
Summary
Henry enters the hunt grounds after ensuring Stefan is ahead and quickly finds Miriam, indulging in an illicit encounter intensified by the risk and by his engagement to Harlow. Memories of kissing Harlow intrude, underscoring Henry’s conflicted desire and resentment.
Harlow arrives, identified by her scent, and Henry taunts her jealousy before dismissing Miriam. He and Harlow trade barbs and challenges, their tension blurring hunter and prey. Determined to expose the dangers of the hunt, Henry seizes Harlow’s wrist and leads her deeper into the woods.
At a ruined shrine, they witness Bryce engaging in consensual rough play with a blonde woman—belting, restraint, oral sex, and penetrative preparation—while Henry holds Harlow and tests her reactions. The display shocks and arouses Harlow, but when Bryce notices and winks, Harlow pulls away and retreats.
Henry follows Harlow out of the woods, aware of onlookers judging her reaction. In the courtyard, they argue: Henry warns of danger and custom; Harlow rejects being controlled, asserting she will learn the rites without permission. Her defiance needles Henry, who momentarily reveals concern.
Probing for weak points, Henry asks about Harlow’s absent bodyguard and privately suspects that Harlow and Gaven may be coordinating. Harlow slips past him into the manor, leaving Henry to return to the hunt, unsettled by her scent and the growing web of desire, defiance, and distrust.
Who Appears
- HenryPOV protagonist; pursues Miriam, confronts Harlow, exposes her to hunt customs, and suspects her collusion with Gaven.
- HarlowFiancée; interrupts Henry and Miriam, witnesses Bryce’s scene, rejects control, argues with Henry, and asserts independence.
- BryceParticipant in the hunt; engages in consensual rough play observed by Henry and Harlow, highlighting local customs.
- MiriamHenry’s lover and frequent hunt target; initiates a tryst before Harlow’s arrival ends it.
- Unnamed blonde womanConsenting partner to Bryce during the hunt, central to the scene Harlow observes.
- StefanRival observer; enters the woods ahead of Henry at the hunt’s start, then fades from view.