[ To see that relief earns a compassionate look; one hand grips his, while the other reaches up to touch his cheek, lightly cupping his face as he presses a kiss to her forehead, then rest his own against it. ]

Good. I'm glad you remember the same. [it had been a very good morning, even if Cassandra hadn't been impressed. (Privately amused, but not impressed.)] And that we don't have to face this alone.

I turned to enter the Grey Hunt stables, and instead I was walking in nothing. And then, this. [a grimace] I haven't seen anyone else, either. Only you.

Whoever's idea this is, they are sick.

[ It cannot be real, and she tightens her grip a moment on Percy's hand, he an anchor for her as much the other way around, before turning again to really look at the darkness seeping through every street and cobblestone. ]