[A soft shake of his head, and he held Essek's gaze. If anyone understood guilt and regret, it was Caleb Widogast. And for everything that had happened, none of it was Essek's fault.]

My love... no. There was nothing you could have done. I am only glad that you are safe, that you have lived... that we have found each other again.

[He tightened his arms around Essek as the drowpire buried his face in his neck, trying to keep at least some of the desperation out of his hold, how badly he needed to hold him, to keep him close while he could.]

I know. We will find a way to be together fully, the way we are meant to. I--

[Caleb cut off as he was pushed back as he found himself looking up at his husband straddling his legs. Oh. Blue eyes went wide, pupils quickly coming to nearly subsume the cerulean.]