Contents
39. Harlow
Overview
Aidia secretly visits Harlow through the closet passage, revealing fresh bruises but confirming she is alive and hiding. The sisters share tense humor, discuss Harlow’s binding rites and a sleepwalking episode, and set hopes on surviving past Dark Star. After Aidia leaves, Harlow seizes the moment and slips out before Henry returns.
Summary
Harlow returns to a dark bedroom and debates whether to wait for Aidia or to seek Bea about missing women. While relighting candles, Aidia emerges from the closet passage, joking about Harlow’s red lingerie, which briefly eases Harlow’s fear.
When Aidia steps into the light, Harlow sees bruises mottling Aidia’s cheek and a split lip. They exchange their sisterly vow, confirming Aidia is alive but not safe. Aidia teases about Henry and presses Harlow for details of the wedding rites, including the public blessing and Harlow’s orgasm that broke an ancient sigil.
They shift to worry: Harlow admits she recently sleepwalked onto a balcony. Aidia recalls Harlow’s childhood sleepwalking and suggests the memory might surface if Harlow traces when she last stood on a balcony. Aidia promises to “hold out” at least through Dark Star and slips away before servants notice.
Heart racing after seeing the injuries, Harlow decides she cannot wait for Henry’s return. She dresses in revealing red lingerie beneath a deep red gown, pulls on a coat and slippers, and uses the closet passage to leave, intent on acting while she still can.
Who Appears
- Harlow CarrenwellProtagonist; reunited briefly with bruised sister, recalls sleepwalking, then sneaks out via closet passage before Henry returns.
- Aidia CarrenwellHarlow’s sister; arrives secretly, visibly injured, jokes to mask fear, urges caution, promises to endure until after Dark Star.