"Most of what's happened in my life originated from things I never would have chosen--that doesn't make dealing with it much easier, either," Raine admitted.

Besides Genis, the last person she'd held like this was Colette, but--it managed not to be awkward. Once upon a time, Raine thought she remembered liking touch; Valyn did remind her of living in Heimdall, so maybe that was it. Or maybe she was finally learning to push past her habit of self-isolation.