36. Harlow

Harlow, Henry, Gaven, Carter, and Bryce emerge from the Drained Wood to a heavily damaged North Hold Gate and a sizable repair effort underway. The claw-riddled doors deepen Harlow’s dread. Hunters confirm their identities and allow them through as daylight wanes.

Before North Hold, Rafe Mattingly addresses a rapt crowd, absolving the Carrenwells while adopting responsibility for the breach and mourning ten dead women from the pleasure block. Harlow, terrified for her sister Aidia and seething at Rafe’s manipulation, nearly loses control of her poison until Henry steadies her. Rafe notably avoids mentioning Aidia by name, which Harlow reads as a hopeful sign she is alive.

Harlow and Henry quietly assess the scene. Henry proposes sending Bryce and Carter for details about the attack, possibly by Breeders. Harlow spots Kellan on alert among guards as Rafe dismisses the crowd with promises of swift repairs and safety, their applause unsettling in its fervor.

Guided by a silent signal from Liza Carrenwell to avoid public talk, the group heads south. Along the way, Harlow admits Aidia likely stayed away due to bruises she refuses to glamour, exposing Rafe’s abuse. Weighing politics and access, Harlow persuades Henry to visit North Hold in her stead: to check on Aidia and deliver a polite invitation for a post-wedding family dinner, a move likely to provoke Rafe while drawing Aidia out.

At Carrenwell House, Able storms inside in a volatile display, while Harrick and Liza extend formal welcomes and press for dinner and a small reception. Henry pointedly claims Harlow’s rooms, needling Liza. Seizing Liza’s suggestion, Henry agrees to extend the dinner invitation to the mayor. He departs to see Aidia, leaving Harlow to prepare for the family meeting as household tensions and strategy take shape.