It seemed impossible, what Gansey said. Gansey, this golden, wonderful creature, had missed him? Him, the unnatural monster beneath the opera house?

He didn't let go of Gansey's hand, studying him in return, awed by his existence, his presence here, his having kept his promise. "You came alone?" he asked, though that seemed obvious. There was no one else with him. They were safe.

Hovering close to Gansey, wanting to give him some gesture in return, Laurent squeezed his hand, forgetting, in that moment, Gansey's ring upon his finger, as if it had been a betrothal gift from his lover. "My name is Laurent," he murmured, very quiet, willing to trust Gansey with one more secret.