Fleur makes an attempt to apologize to me a moment later, her lean face pale, hands shaking. I wave it off with a head shake and a weary smile.

"Please know how sorry I am," I say, beating her to it.

She hesitates before rushing toward me, cool lips pressing to my cheek. "Thank you," she says, turning immediately away. "For saving our lives."

I had no idea elves were so volatile, but under the circumstances I'm feeling a little torn in a million ...