He doesn't move back when Ronan gets close, though he's not sure what to expect. Ronan's agitation is clear, and Adam can't fault him for it, not when he's just as shaken and confused. He doesn't want Gansey to know, doesn't want someone else to have a reason to doubt him, but - isn't it better to have more people watching him? Is Adam's desire to be trusted more important than Gansey's life? Of course not. It could never be.

But that's not all it is. He has to believe that he's going to stop it, and so does Ronan. They have to believe in each other, otherwise they're definitely going to fail, and then where will they be? And how can Adam continue on, knowing that Gansey will look at him and see someone who might betray him in the worst of ways?

He nods, a little jerky. Ronan is right. That's what they need to do, to keep Gansey safe and to keep themselves believing that it's possible.

"Okay."

It's true, really. The basic, essential meaning of it is true.

"We've done a lot of things that shouldn't be possible. And this - we'll do it. We'll keep him safe. We'll get the favor and - we'll fix this."

He's not sure whether he's trying to convince himself or Ronan. Adam's belief has been shaken, more than he'd like it to have been, but that doesn't change anything. He'll still do this. He has to. There's no other choice.