They've at least come to a more open understanding, which is perhaps the only reason why Essek allows his attention to be so noticeably focused, even for brief moments at a time. Their little moments of affection are not so difficult to catch. But they still haven't gone all the way. Yet.

Still, Molly's comment forces a brief smile that shows a flash of sharp incisors.

"You sound like my brother," Essek muses. "Letting loose is unfortunately not something that comes easily for me."