“Aramis.” Fury alights in Athos’ eyes, but he welcomes it, the way it warms him when he has gone so cold with fear. “Stay here,” he tells Porthos, and though he would not be surprised if the man disobeyed, someone must keep watch. Without another hesitation Athos follows Aramis off the ledge, landing harder on the grated platform below than he intends, but recovering quickly. He unsheathes his sword as he hurries down the stairs, taking them two at a time to catch up, and so focused on Aramis that he does not see what caught the man’s eye in the first place.

“Olivier.” From the ground below, Athos hears the voice that has stalked him for days and his blood runs cold in his veins. “I have been looking for you.”

“Thomas.” Athos’ mouth goes dry and he can barely get the name out. “I could say the same."