The sound of the door swinging open was lost amidst the crack of bone and Dutch's sharp, pained yelp. But Laurent's voice cut through, surprising enough to make Damen's breath catch, though his grip on Dutch's wrists remained.

He looked just the same as earlier, the walk having not blown a single hair out of place or brought any semblance of a blush to his cheeks.

Dutch struggled under his hold as Damen's eyes narrowed. 'Are you speaking to her or to me?' he asked, stomach twisting with a familiar, bitter twist of betrayal. Even now his mind didn't want to believe it. It had been months since Laurent's arrival, weeks since they had fallen into one another. Had it all been another plan? Damen held no kingdom here, but his identity had not changed. Was this Laurent's attempt at finally avenging Auguste?