Kell had had practice in comforting someone else with a touch. Rhy had always been an affectionate child, but in the wake of the kidnapping, between surges of anxiety, he sometimes held onto Kell like this.

He'd been the only one who ever had, until Asora.

As Neria pressed close to him, seeking out his warmth, Kell's natural response was to hold her closer, without words and without sign of stopping.

He thought of Hakkyuu, of the way he'd held on in the infirmary bed, as if he were in danger of being swept away. Thought of Rhy and his tears, and of the long silences in his own mind.

He knew only a fraction of what Neria had seen, but he didn't need to, to know she needed him now. So he pushed aside thoughts of the future, and what it would become.

Kell's long fingers settled in her hair, and he held on.