Utterly perplexed, Laurent looked over at him, trying to make sense of him."Why would you stay? You're free. You have a life out there. You belong out there. Promise never to breathe a word of me, then go."

Laurent nodded toward the city. Gansey could find his way down without difficulty, he was sure. Back the way they'd come, then out into the opera house, and the city beyond.

He'd manage, somehow. He trusted that Gansey would keep his secret. Laurent would go on as he had. Alone. As he deserved.