Claudius finds Lan Wangji's steeliness reassuring. He's likely one of few people who can find reassurance in Lan Wangji's flashes of cold and stoic certainty -- but he's rather glad he and Magnus aren't the only ones holding a grudge. There were many tender conversations Claudius held with friends about the things they hid from each other, but he also found how sincerely and instantly he could dislike a man who raised a hand against someone he loves.

"I regret less than I thought I would," Claudius admits. It feels strange to say, but he feels the truth of it as he says it, the way he did when testing sentences under the spell. There's no magical compulsion to confirm it, only the sense of surprise and acceptance. "There were a number of things I'd resolved not to say nevertheless needed saying. With Crowley, for instance. I resolved not to let him know how concerned I was for him, lest it add to the cares already weighing on him. Knowing a friend sees thy troubles, when thou hast taken pains to conceal them, can make a man feel more vulnerable." Like with Sagramore. "I assume the same is true of demons. But I feel easier, having spoken to Crowley without painting a fair face for his sorrows."