Ronan hadn't even stepped through the door before he and Declan started arguing. Actually "started" wasn't the most accurate word. This was just picking up where they'd left off except they hadn't come to blows yet. In the end, after one last burst of yelling, Matthew intervened and Ronan stormed off.

He had no direction in mind. His body or rather his memories knew where to take him. Up the stairs, past this room and that one. Every space, every speck of dust stirred more feelings in him than he'd experienced in the past few years. There was nothing to mask it now, no escape waiting for him. He felt so raw.

He stopped outside the study. He used to go there sometimes, when he was a different person. "Gentler" Gansey might have put it. Ronan preferred to tell it like it was. He'd been a better person.

Ronan opened the door, curious if his old Latin texts were still there. He stared.

He'd hoped that Adam had moved away and just never received his letters. He figured it wasn't the case. It still hurt to have confirmation.

"You're still here?" He finally managed to say.