Very good. Had Laurent decided to start lacing up his collar again. Gansey would have politely requested that he leave it open until they returned to the castle. Seeing his handiwork was rewarding.

When Laurent pushed up Gansey followed suit, suddenly much more aware of the crick in his back; it was not solely from the awkward positioning on the stairs.

"One of the most magical things about this forest," he answered, offering his hand to Laurent so that he could hold it. Holding hands—a simple gesture, yet far more intimate than one might expect. "It's not far, so we can leave the horses here for now. They'll prefer this open area anyway."

Sky snorted, as though confirming the comment.