The beacon sat, in the drawer with his books, in the lead box that the Nein had carried it across the Empire and the Dynasty before Caleb had given it back. When Caleb had found it in his things, back in Mammon's domain when he had first arrived, he had thought it was a joke. Now, with Essek tracing the familiar intricacies against his palm, he considered the motes of possibility within it.

Their eyes met. Caleb shifted, slightly, to draw Essek closer to him. He might not need to sleep, but there was a comfort in resting together like this, in being still and quiet together.

"I would prefer to avoid it as long as possible," he murmured. His heart thundered unceremoniously in his ears and he was certain that Essek must be able to hear it, as close as they were, as observant as he was. "I do not wish to hurt you, Essek."