Contents
56. Henry
Overview
At Agony Night, Henry performs calculated charm, steering Lunameade elites to suspect Rafe of directing the Drained, winning early support. Kellan witnesses Henry’s manipulation magic, urges him to tell Harlow, and validates Henry’s well-water lead and historic records. Reeling from Kellan’s revelations about Harlow’s stories, Henry vents to allies and resolves to confront her before the next festival events.
Summary
During the Agony Night gathering, Henry deliberately plays the charming guest, engaging Lunameade’s gossips and sharing curated tales of Mountain Haven and Holly’s death to build rapport. He frames a narrative implying Rafe compelled the Drained that destroyed the fort, positioning Rafe as dangerous while keeping strategy vague.
As sympathy grows, Henry lowers his voice and directly links Rafe’s ambition and Polm-blessed influence to the horde’s attack, asking discreet support for holding Rafe accountable. Annie, Colleen, Patrick, and others quietly pledge backing, ready to spread the rumor.
Kellan observes and then confronts Henry, identifying his hidden Polm blessing beneath his healer’s magic. He urges Henry to tell Harlow how and when he has used his gift, notes Harlow’s rare calm, and confirms Henry’s well-water discovery will help the guards. Kellan also found records of a past meeting between their fathers and apologizes for what was withheld.
Later, in Carter’s room, Henry rages over Kellan dismantling Harlow’s earlier sob story and realizing how Harlow used his grief for Holly to hook him. Carter moderates Henry’s drinking; Naima delivers tough love about hypocrisy and secrecy; Bryce pushes for a preemptive confrontation. Henry reflects on Deathless limits with alcohol and his craving for Harlow’s blood.
Resolved, Henry decides to confront Harlow in the garden before the next night’s events, intending to force the truth using Kellan’s evidence. He sets terms for their alliance: either renewed honesty or bringing Harlow down with her family.
Who Appears
- HenryPOV; manipulates partygoers to blame Rafe, is exposed as twice-blessed by Kellan, vents to allies, and plans to confront Harlow.
- Kellan CarrenwellWitnesses Henry’s manipulation, detects his Polm magic, urges honesty with Harlow, and confirms well-water findings and old records.
- Harlow CarrenwellObserved mingling; becomes the focus of Henry’s anger after Kellan challenges her prior stories; target of Henry’s planned confrontation.
- AnnieHigh-house guest drawn into Henry’s tale; sympathizes and pledges support against Rafe; helps spread the rumor.
- ColleenHigh-house guest; accepts Henry’s implications about Rafe’s abuses and commits support.
- PatrickAnnie’s husband; agrees Rafe could manipulate the unblessed and offers support to Henry.
- RafeArrives at the party; becomes Henry’s chosen scapegoat for the Drained attack and subject of new rumors.
- CarterFriend who moderates Henry’s drinking and reminds him of his own manipulations; present for the debrief.
- NaimaProvides tough love, calling out Henry’s hypocrisy and secrecy about being twice-blessed.
- BryceEncourages Henry to confront Harlow before festivities, stoking Henry’s resolve.
- Harrick CarrenwellSeen with Liza and Rafe; implicit future target of Henry’s broader plan.
- Liza CarrenwellPresent with Harrick and Rafe at the party; keeps distance to avoid influencing Henry’s speech.
- LibbySeen speaking closely with Harlow during the party.