It's not what I wanted for you is a reflexive whisper of thought as he squeezes Daniels hand back.

Had he hoped for something like Claudia had given to Madeleine? Something beautiful?

He didn't hurt me Daniel asserts, and Louis doesn't doubt this. But Daniel had it said it himself: Armand's gentleness can be a kind of violence.

And Armand had been angry.

It is hard to let go, but Louis recognizes the way both of them are reaching to lift this particular topic from his grasp. He breathes out. Refrains from argument, unfair when it's Daniel asserting his own wellness.

"I told him he was ready for it now," Louis answers Lestat. "I'm pleased to be right."