15. Harlow

Harlow, unsettled by thoughts of madness in her family, explores Havenwood House with Gaven. She and Gaven suspect the Mountain Haven wall breach had inside help. Henry intercepts, dismisses Gaven, and insists on escorting Harlow, revealing cultural sigils—openly honoring Harvain and even Asher—and asserting control through appearances.

Outside, Henry proposes destinations; Harlow chooses the armory. En route, a guard, Seth, ambushes her with Malice manipulation. Harlow counters despite lingering injuries until Henry seizes Seth and, citing survival and secrecy, slits his throat to prevent knowledge of Harlow’s skills spreading. The act clarifies Henry’s ruthless, protective pragmatism and deepens Harlow’s mistrust.

At the armory, magical traps part only after Henry mixes their blood on an enchanted plaque. Inside, Harlow sees racks of weapons bathed in sacred well water, a tactic effective against the Drained. Henry withholds the source, teasing a trade of secrets, signaling his leverage and her need for information.

Taking a scenic route through overgrown battlements where Mountain Haven made its last stand, Henry hints at personal loss and warns Harlow not to wander into the hunt grounds used for Kennymyra feasts. In the veiled gallery of Kennymyra and Stellaria statues, charged banter turns to a threat-laced command: Harlow must remain in her room during the feast.

Blood on the floor leads to Kyrin, Henry’s massive white-gray wolf, who proves gentle with Harlow. The encounter contrasts savagery and intimacy, underscoring Henry’s feral image and complex code. Henry escorts Harlow back, forbidding her from roaming after sundown. She agrees outwardly but resolves to snoop despite the risks.