( Louis is surprised by the intensity of Lestat's response, but he doesn't argue. His fingers twitch, then tighten around Lestat's. Would he have died, if it had been his heart? Would that be enough? Claudia's knife had sunk into Lestat again and again, and there had been so much blood, but had the blade actually punctured his heart? And Lestat had been so close to death then that Louis had believed him truly gone.

He shakes his head. )

No, I didn't want him to concern himself with me. You've been looking after me well enough. I'm nearly recovered, thanks to you.