“Are you sure about that?” the demon asks, lazily toying with the blood-soaked knife. The question is simple, but Athos thinks he might choke upon it, for he is certain of nothing. He is not sure if this creature is a demon, for in Darrow, the real Thomas could come to haunt him with accusations and threats as easily as a monster who merely wears his voice and face. And by God, he is not sure that he remains blameless in the man’s death; this brother he loved was in his care, and he was murdered, and he was not the last man to suffer because of Athos mistakes and failures.

Athos trembles, but he can feel the furious, protective presence of Aramis and Porthos behind him, and somehow that is enough to keep him standing. Are you sure? Thomas had asked, and now Athos has his answer. He is sure of one thing.

He is sure of them.

“Yes,” Athos answers in a breath, and raises his sword to fight.