"Yes, exactly. And life is going on there at the same time it is here. So no one is missing us." And that is why Wylan had no idea any of them were gone at all. It does make things easier, knowing his father hasn't lost his son abruptly, although he misses him too. But he's safe.

He looks forward to showing off for Wylan, he always loves doing that, but his Grisha abilities are very refined now. That part of him is healed in a way, and he's embraced it more than he ever could, although it hasn't entirely healed his issues. He still constantly feels the pull of gambling, his need for adrenaline, but he is back on the wagon for that.

It has been a year and it is still the easiest thing in the world to meet Wylan halfway to kiss him back. He'll always want him. Jesper keeps it tender and sweet, he can't get distracted and it's easy to do that. "There are some things I should tell you," he murmurs when they part.