"A reminder," Rat said, scowling. He tried to remember what the old woman had told him. Never sigh over someone because it meant they'd become part of your life. Sentiment was a death sentence, a consignment to his own heartbreak. How could he have forgotten?

"Go away. I should be alone." Had to be alone. Had to keep himself safe. He'd forgotten with Sion and forgotten with Grey and he was in danger of forgetting himself with Marius. Marius who would remember himself soon enough, realign himself to a destiny and a happily ever after with the daughter of Jean Valjean.

He had been so stupid.