[ Lestat watches Armand's frame soften enough that he's sure Armand won't jostle awake, and then shifts himself to sit up against the headboard, Armand's head curled into his waist, the bear pressed up against his hip. He watches him breathe for a moment, and then leans over to switch on the little lamp at Armand's bedside, before he fishes his phone out of his pocket and video calls Louis.

Seeing his beloved's face, he smiles, but there's something apologetic lingering around his eyes. ]

Louis, forgive me for not calling sooner. I was taken to that place again, I wanted to get out as quickly as possible, but Armand was there. He was hurt, badly, by those creatures on the second floor. I patched him up and he's sleeping, he'll be fine with time — as you were — but…

[ His eyes move to the side, looking at Armand's vulnerable body pressed up against his. ]

I can't leave him like this. Please understand.