The longer they spoke, the smaller Laurent seemed to become. Though he was still standing, something in his stature had weakened, had quieted, and Damen felt a great weight of guilt drop in his stomach. For he knew exactly of the darkness Laurent referred to. After all, it had been Damen who plunged him into it.

Pulling in a slow breath, Damen took a step back.

'Then I will not impede,' he said. 'But, child or otherwise, if he makes a move to harm you, he will have me to answer to.'