14. Henry

Henry charges into the blood mist after hearing Harlow struggle, finding her fending off Drained and killing one with a dagger. He reveals his blade is treated with well water, which burns the creatures, while Harlow tracks attackers by their lack of aura. As the swarm intensifies, Henry whistles the scatter signal and proposes using Harlow’s fresh blood to draw the Drained away.

Harlow reluctantly agrees; Henry cuts her palm to bait the creatures and then mounts with her on Nightsong, his late sister’s trained and warded horse. They outrun the frenzy as the mist thins, and Henry steadies a delayed shock overtaking Harlow. Despite barbed banter and Henry’s possessive instincts, he focuses on getting her to safety.

They regroup with Henry’s parents, guards, and allies Carter and Bryce, then ride the mountain path toward Mountain Haven. Harlow openly studies the fortified settlement and the scarred wall where Drained once broke through, pressing Henry on the details he withholds.

At the stables, Gaven confronts Henry over Harlow’s injuries, but Harlow downplays them. Henry declares she will stay in rooms adjoining his, balancing propriety with control. Inside Havenwood House, Harlow coolly assesses exits and resources, bristles at Henry’s dominance, and explores the private washroom and wardrobe prepared for her.

After Harlow’s long bath, Henry tends her wounds. A flinch exposes past conditioning, and Henry vows not to strike her. He heals deep claw slashes across her shoulder, then discovers her wrist is broken, sets the bone despite her curses, and finishes the healing. As her pain ebbs, they trade guarded truths: Harlow notes his aura flares with magic and possessiveness, while Henry claims responsibility as his motive. Their mistrust and charged connection harden ahead of her formal introduction to the fort.