He was so focused on the gift that Adam had given him that he didn't quite realize that the priestess hadn't spoken. Then he remembered that Adam should have said something about the gate or the other gifts. Looking up, he realized how close they were standing, holding hands while Alec petted the caterpillar.

Swallowing hard, he told himself that he should step away or say something to break the odd moment that they'd gotten caught up in, but he didn't want to. He wanted to stay where he was, watching color creep across Adam's cheeks, feeling the warmth of Adam's hand against his. Finally he forced himself to speak, voice soft as he asked, "Is this all right?"