Will noticed the stars. Why wouldn't he? They were very conspicuous of late. Ever since that boy- James- had arrived the other day from China, those twinkling lights had been especially bright. Almost as if they were trying to tell him something…something about James. Will pondered this as he sat in the window seat, in a daze. He should have been asleep a long time ago, but something kept him awake despite his exhaustion.

At the sound of the door creaking open, Will sprung to his feet on instinct before his brain was fully aware of his actions. The figure in the doorway pulled back slightly at the sudden movement. In the dark, Will couldn't recognize the still unfamiliar shadow.

"Who's there?" Will demanded, hand edging toward his seraph blade.

"It is me, Jem," said the silhouette whose name was evidently Jem. "Is this a bad time, William?"

Will's hand immediately dropped back to his side and his body relaxed in posture. "No, of course not. Come in."

Jem entered the room with light, soundless steps, chin raised defiantly to look Will in the eye. Will appreciated the boy's boldness. "Is there a lamp to light in this room or do you live in darkness?"

Will was tempted to answer sarcastically, but he saw something in Jem's eyes shining in the dim light that sewed his lips shut. He went to light his bedside candle. "Is there a reason that you grace me with your presence at such an hour?" Will asked, hoping a little that Jem would say 'no.'

Unfortunately, Will's wishes were not fulfilled. "Yes, I… Well. I ran out of matches, and I did not want to bother Sophie at this hour."

Will was taken aback. He raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Why, James! Are you afraid of the dark?"

Jem sat in the window and assumed the position Will had taken just a few minutes ago. He didn't answer for a long time. "Not the dark, exactly," he provided finally. "I do not like being alone in a strange room in the dark. At night, really. It raises unpleasant memories."

Will was silent.

Jem was silent.

Steeling himself, Will approached the snowy-haired boy and sat beside him. "You do not need to be afraid anymore," said Will. "You are safe here."

Jem turned his head and looked at Will. Will looked back and tried to convey a message with his eyes. You can come to me whenever you need to. I will protect you.

Jem smiled. "I know." He gazed up at the pulsing stars. "It is a beautiful night, is it not?"