Only reluctantly did Combeferre allow Sybil to depart. He lingered a few steps from her door, hands clasped behind his back, a murmured au revoir on his lips when she glanced back one last time.

Then she was gone, and the night was silent, and he tipped his head up at the stars once again, laughing softly at his own ridiculousness, and at the surprising wonders that Fate could toss one’s way.