35. Henry

Henry permits Harlow a morning run, hoping movement will ease tensions. She sprints effortlessly, delighting in the freedom, while Henry struggles to keep up and battles rising desire. Her pace and focus reveal a practiced routine and a goal: maintaining the endurance to reach Lunameade if needed.

On the trail, Harlow spots and opens the camouflaged entrance to the mountain caves. Henry, unsettled, learns she gleaned the location via Gaven’s loose-tongued contact. Inside is the community’s sunstone-lit lifeline. The place stirs Henry’s grief and memories of loss. Harlow shows respect for their hardship and steps away without pressing.

They continue the loop through the fort. Harlow questions defenses and notices Henry’s aura—an unusually dense, burnt-purple core—hinting at hidden depths. As they traverse levels, townspeople stare and mutter slurs, confirming Harlow’s expectation of hostility. She finishes the loop still energized; Henry notes Gaven’s likely magic and keeps his suspicions close.

Carter and Bryce arrive with a dove. The message reports a breach at North Hold, with deaths, injuries, and missing women. Realizing it is her sister’s area, Harlow urgently asks to go home immediately. Henry hesitates over scandal and risk, but her plea and his strategic calculus shift him.

Henry grants permission under strict rules: Harlow obeys him in the woods and returns when ordered. After she departs to prepare with Gaven, Henry explains to Carter and Bryce that protecting Harlow’s sister could win Harlow’s trust and cooperation. Despite the danger, he resolves to lead the trip through the Drained Wood.