"Of course I came alone," he said, sounding surprised at the question. "I promised. And... I would not want anyone to harm you." The legends of the Opera Ghost were filled with blood and horror. Even today, what happened years ago still frightened those who visited. Gansey had no doubt that if he so much as mentioned a fleeting glance of a man beneath the theater that there would be a witch hunt.

But before he could say anything else, the Phantom murmured, and Gansey stared. Had he just said what he thought he said?

"You..."

The Phantom ... had told him his name. Laurent. Gansey's guesses hadn't even been close. Cheeks coloring though the dimness of the lair did nothing to advertise it, Gansey continued to stare, surprise breaking into a delighted smile.

"Laurent," he breathed, "is a lovely name."