To keep them safe.

And Darling knew what it did to Syn every time he died on the table and Syn had to go through the fear of his not waking up. The fact that Syn would continue to put himself through that so that Darling could keep his genetics a secret…

That was true friendship.

“Thank you. For everything.”

Syn snorted at him. “You might want to save that gratitude until we see how much it helped.”

“Even if I’m still a freak, I appreciate it. Most of all, thank you for being my friend.”

Syn let out a low whistle. “Damn, I better double check the meds I have you on.”

Darling laughed, then grimaced as pain lanced through him again. Closing his eyes, he tried not to think about his face remaining the same as before.

I won’t be able to take it.

But the saddest part was that he knew he would. Somehow he’d find the strength to endure it, even if it killed him. After all, it wouldn’t be nearly as hard as having to face the other aristos after Nylan and Arturo went viral with his video.

Anything was easier than that.

Besides, he should look on the bright side. At least no one wants to screw me when I’m scarred.

No one except Zarya.

Her name had barely flashed through his mind before he smelled the sweet warmth of her perfume. She took his hand again.

“Syn said you could speak?”

He cleared his throat, which was still incredibly sore. “Are Maris and Ryn with you?”

“We’re here.” They were on the other side of his bed.

Darling rubbed her hand, and braced himself for her reaction. “Ryn? Would you mind taking both of them home for me?”

“No!” Zarya snapped.

Maris’s tone was even sharper. “We’re not leaving.”

He ignored their protests. “If they won’t go on their own, have Nyk stun them.”

Maris cursed him in Phrixian while Zarya sputtered in indignation.

Darling held his hand up to silence them.

Zarya made a sound that he’d only heard her make toward her sister whenever Sorche really angered her. “Oh don’t even think that imperial gesture works on me, boy.”

He smiled at Zarya’s rage. “I’m too weak to argue with the two of you. Z, please. Have mercy on me and go rest. In case this doesn’t work, I want to have time to come to terms with it on my own before you see me, okay? I just… I want to face it without an audience. And Mari, you’re the only one I trust to keep her safe for me. Please. I’m begging you both to go home and get some sleep. For me.”

Zarya wanted to argue, but the pain in his voice kept her from it. Darling was being honest with them and while she was worried sick about him, the last thing she wanted was to add to his stress. Not to mention, she had a baby to think about now.