As this reply refers to plot, there will be spoilers ahead so be warned: I agree that Ho's presence or absence was not explained clearly enough in this chapter. However, it is hinted at a scene in the next one. Whether the conclusion can be derived from the particular scene I'm referring to is obvious or not is subjective. But having read the scene again just now, it seems that it may not be obvious enough after all (I'll see if I can edit it more before next Monday). It can be open to many interpretations. However, obvious or not, it is not too relevant until the sequel anyway. Since the sequel will likely be some time from now (if I do get around to writing it which hopefully I will), I'll give you the answer since I might not be able to incorporate it A:TSW. We know Jacob is back. We can't say that Ho-o should be back too because in truth, she never left. What happened to her though is still a mystery to Adam. The last time she tried to reach out to him, all she could get through was apparently one word, one word that seemed to take a considerable amount of effort (and perhaps pain) to communicate. Although it is in her best interest to help him, it appears that something or someone is preventing her from doing so. Based on what's been revealed (and of course what I know to be the plot), there are only two characters capable of doing something like that - Lord Raezhul and Jacob.