Don't tell me that you have lost your insufferable optimism now. [ He teased it gently, squeezing the other's hand, closing his eyes as Damen tucked against the side of his head. In public as they were- this wasn't something he would have normally allowed. But... given their strange circumstances, and the waves of discomfort still rolling from Dame, he would allow it. ]

This is but one more challenge, and whomever has brought us here has made one grave mistake: They brought us together.