Contents
22. Harlow
Overview
In the hidden well, Henry fully reveals his past: the wall’s fall, Holly’s self-immolating sacrifice, his death, and his mother’s gift that prevents him from dying the same way twice, rendering poison ineffective. Harlow’s concealed back scars and debilitating episodes surface, forcing new intimacy and a pact of secrecy before their wedding.
Summary
In the secret mountain well, Henry explains that a catastrophic breach a decade earlier overwhelmed Mountain Haven’s fort. He, Holly, Bryce, Carter, and others fell back to the level six wall, exhausting their magic as the Drained grew stronger on spilled blood. A fatal mauling dropped Henry; Holly incinerated the remaining horde with holy fire, dying in the act.
Henry’s mother reached him moments after he died and resurrected him, as she did for several hunters. In response to grief, she prayed and was granted a divine safeguard: Henry cannot be killed the same way twice. He lists prior deaths, including poison, confirming Harlow’s magic still works but cannot kill him.
Shaken, Harlow moves to leave and accidentally exposes the brutal scars across her back. Henry reacts with fury and concern, pressing to know who hurt her. Harlow refuses to share her past, insisting he is entitled only to her future and warning that any perceived weakness will be exploited here.
Seeking balance, Henry asks about her earlier seclusion. Harlow admits lifelong, crippling episodes signaled by visual auras and sensitivity, lasting hours to days, which she hides to maintain strength. She rejects being “fixed,” demanding normal treatment and privacy.
Henry promises discretion and dignity, suggests cautious support, and stresses the secrecy of the well. They agree to keep each other’s revelations—his resurrection and her condition—confidential as they prepare for their imminent wedding.
Who Appears
- HarlowPoison-blessed widow; learns Henry can’t die the same way twice, reveals back scars and debilitating episodes, demands secrecy and autonomy.
- HenryMountain Haven heir; recounts siege, death, Holly’s sacrifice; resurrected by his mother; immune to repeat deaths including poison; urges secrecy.
- HollyHenry’s sister; dies unleashing holy fire to destroy the remaining Drained during the fort breach.
- Henry’s motherResurrects Henry and others; later granted power ensuring her child cannot die the same way twice.
- Henry’s fatherAdministers violent measures during resurrections; part of the family’s survival apparatus.
- BryceHunter injured during the siege; later resurrected by Henry’s mother.
- CarterHunter at the wall; resurrected; his wife is a discreet herbalist Henry considers consulting.
- StefanHunter resurrected alongside others; earlier fear test against Harlow failed.
- AidiaHarlow’s confidante; appears in Harlow’s memories as comfort during past trauma.
- KyrinAttendant who guarded Harlow’s door during her three-day episode.
- Divine AsherDeity who answers Henry’s mother’s prayers, granting the safeguard against repeat deaths.