"I'm really okay," Joel insists, though he's touched by the offer. There aren't many people in town who'd let him stay with them, though the truth is that he doesn't feel comfortable leaving his apartment for that long. "I'm more worried about..." He pauses, looking at Emily for a moment before he goes forward. He'd told her how he feels about Spencer at the ball and he doubts it's much of a secret anymore either, not after they left together.

"I'm more worried about Spencer," he says. "And another friend of mine, Cosette. The last letter made reference to both of them. It means I'm being watched." He can protect himself, he has magic on his side, but he really is worried about the others.