And still, Laurent was hiding something. Unlike so many times before, it didn't feel malicious this time. Rather that he was revealing a glimpse at something he might share in time even if that time was not now. Indeed, his words seemed to imply that he'd at least shared it with the other version of Damen, the one who truly had his heart.

'I have yet to understand why,' Damen remarked, following Laurent's gaze over to the boy as he ate the food Laurent had provided.

He sighed then, frown still curving his lips. 'Is he to stay with you long?'