“That. There’s another reason. He already considered you pack, and the way he responded when you got hurt—it makes me wonder how much people matter when they’re not part of that circle.”

He shrugs, sitting down opposite Malcolm to stare at his own tea. “He’s been good to you. I can’t contest that. Like I said, I barely know anything about him. But this is a big change. It’s a… a permanent investment of your future into someone you’ve known for a handful of months. And what you said to me is true, no matter what he might say about it not impacting you mind. You will be changing yourself, fundamentally, significantly, and permanently. While part of a liminal space you don’t intend to stay on board forever.”

He leans back in his chair. “You haven’t really answered my question about why you want it so badly.”