Octavius heard it, but it didn’t register. Or it did but his brain didn’t know what to do with that. The queen’s witch became a werewolf? Was she a man? And which other witches could do the same? Did it matter? Someone was dead and their blood was on Octavius’ hands.

He didn’t say anything. He has nothing to say. Maybe that would be easier for Kat.

Octavius looked up at Kat and managed a weak smile. Very weak, but there it was.

"I won't throw myself out of the tower." He promised. His eyes moved past her to the bustling around them. "I don't think they'd let me. But also, I won't try." He had too much to live for. Yeah, he felt like crap, but that didn't mean he'd just make the feeling stop. He looked back at Kat with a shyness in his eyes.

"Thank you," he said softly, "for telling me."