The next exhale shook with held back emotion as Davrin talked. There were only three kinds of people that mattered in Lucanis' world view. Family, enemies, and contracts. Davrin had earned a spot in 'family', but -- he was something more now, too. Something new. It helped Lucanis think, where he might have floundered before.

"... I think I am afraid to leave. That's why I can't get out," Lucanis said, voice a rough whisper against Davrin's jaw. "What if I end up hurting someone? What if I end up hurting you, or Assan?"