12. Harlow

Returning to South Hold late at night, Harlow senses something wrong: lights burn, guards are absent, and screams echo from the family wing. She reaches Able’s room and finds him delirious, raving that Drained fill the halls and accusing their father of leading them. Guards restrain Able while a healer sedates him, and Harlow notices Sierra’s fresh bruises.

After sending others away, Harlow’s parents admit they believe Able is going mad. They reveal a deeper fear: repeated visits to the family’s secret well may be causing the deterioration, which has escalated as Able helps their father sustain the nightly holy-fire barrier on the city walls. Despite Harlow’s questions, they insist Able cannot stop; the city’s defense depends on both men’s power.

Harlow checks herself for signs of instability and finds none. Gaven, already aware, reports nothing unusual about her. The admission reframes the family’s power as a liability just as external threats mount, and Harlow silently weighs this leverage while recognizing the peril if either man becomes too unstable to maintain the wall.

Later, alone in her room, Harlow is startled by Aidia’s clandestine arrival. Aidia is pale and bruised but refuses the idea of Henry’s healing, insisting resources be saved for Harlow’s dangerous journey to Mountain Haven. The sisters exchange their private mantra, and Aidia offers a tender farewell, leaving Harlow to rest before departure.