There was a moment. There had been many moments. Caleb was trying to learn how to read all of them, what they meant, how to fit them together. Essek had told him he needed to weigh through things, figure out the proper paths, consider outcomes before there were any answers, so that meant a lot of questions piling up on the back of Caleb's tongue, waiting for some sign that a decision had been reached.

"My components are yours," he said softly. His hand was not far from Essek's and he reached until their fingers touched again, that same momentary touch as it had been on his wrist.

The door dinged open. Caleb slid out of the elevator to head toward his suite with Essek.