"Oh," says Simonides quietly, sounding mild and surprised, but deep down Bee feels his pleasure at the compliment. She wants to smile and stroke his fur, but she's distracted by Sunshine's increased tension, and the tug to her hand. She stumbles along, wincing slightly. She really wishes she had some shoes.

As though sensing her discomfort, Simonides rubs his head against her cheek, taking care to hold Momodnoc at a distance. An instinctive precaution, it seems.

"Wh-what is it?" Bee whispers to Sunshine.