Apologizing was something Willy had only recently come to understand was necessary at times. He did not think it was needed right now, but clearly Fin did. And it was not only hearing his true name that compelled him, it was Fin's force, the weight of what he said...and the respect Willy had for him. No pet, no possession, Will valued Fin as a friend and a man. An equal.

And so, though he felt he'd done nothing wrong, he waved his hand and Hex, some distance away, turned to come back to Fin. The fae's power was undeniable.

"I will do it," he said to Fin. And when Hex was close enough, his eyes wide with fear as he looked at Will, the tall fae reached out and laid his hand on Hex's shoulder.

"I give you my sincere apology for hurting you and driving you away," he said. Willy looked at him directly and the air shivered with his next words.

"Thomas Hector Schofield, I release you from out deal. You are no longer my servant. Be free. I will not call upon you."

Hex's mouth gaped, closed, gaped again, leavig him looking like some trout. He looked from Willy to Fin and back to Willy.

"You...It felt like you shot me," he said quietly. "I thought it was Fin. You're a right bastard, yeah?"

Will nodded.

"So I am told."