Any misgivings Damian feels fade away for a few moments, and he tugs at Nathaniel's hand, pausing them in the hallway. The blinds may have been closed, but Damian's pale skin and crimson hair still gleam with the muted sunlight.

His touch is gentle and warm as he cups Nat's face and kisses him. He knows of no other way to adequately express the joy of those moments. He can't be called back to the dark nightmare by Moroven ever again. He is Anita's now, and Jean-Claude's, Richard's, and Nathaniel's. It's crazy. It's impossible.

But he'll never be alone again. He can feel Nathaniel's presence in his mind with the others, and it's wonderful.