13. Harlow

At North Hold’s gate, Harlow steels herself to leave Aidia behind and join Henry’s convoy to Mountain Haven. Kellan arrives privately to warn that the Havenwoods might believe their father diverted a catastrophic Drained horde toward Mountain Haven ten years ago, making Harlow a potential pawn or target. He urges caution and notes Gaven has limited intel on the fort.

Henry insists Harlow ride with him for safety, dismissing her riding alone. Despite resentment and barbed banter, Harlow acquiesces, mindful of Kellan’s warning. Passing through the gates, she’s overwhelmed by relief at leaving her family’s control, though she hides it. The group presses hard through the Drained Wood, wary of danger near the city.

As they travel, Henry questions Gaven’s blessing, manages Harlow’s readiness, and keeps pace toward the fort. Their tense intimacy resurfaces, and when Harlow asks about safety at Mountain Haven, Henry explains survival depends on strength, strict rules, and the appearance that Harlow, as his wife, is both strong and outwardly obedient to deter challengers. He refuses details of the decade-old attack, only admitting that even stone strongholds break.

Deeper in the forest, Carter signals danger. A chill and a red aura precede the onrush of blood mist. Henry arms himself, has Harlow anoint his blade with well water, and urges calm to avoid attracting more Drained. The mist engulfs the trail, the convoy sprints, and a sudden impact unhorses them. Henry shields Harlow, but as she reaches for her dagger, claws seize her wrist and drag her, leaving the fight erupting around them.