Hannibal listens to Will's confession with the calm, inscrutable affability of the psychiatrist to a patient, even though there is a sadness in his heart. The facts are more or less as he had expected; what matters is his friend's tone, his affect. Hannibal believes he is truly remorseful, and that the confession is not a calculated act, part of the overall plan to bring Hannibal down. There is relief to that, that he was not so blind, yes, but also that much of what he saw in Will was sincere.

"The best lies have their roots in truths," he offers softly. "And our truths often find their fertility in lies."

He regards his friend, contemplating the earnestness of his plea, his desire to come away with him. At this moment it is also all that Hannibal wants. Not vengeance, on Will or Jack or Alana or anyone else. Just his friend at his side.

"I forgive you, Will," he says, his voice and his eyes warm, if still a little saddened.