Dain touching in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm

I’ve noticed that since the second half of Iron Flame, Dain hasn’t initiated physical contact with people unless it’s during a fight or a life or death situation. I remember in Onyx Storm there was a moment where Ridoc hugged him and Dain was obviously shocked, probably because people are scared to touch him as well.

So that’s why I was surprised in chapter 57 when he initiated physical contact with Sloane by holding her back from attacking that captain and Sloane seemed completely comfortable with him touching her. Then in chapter 59 he immediately suggested using his power to save Mira. Sloane seemed more hesitant because of the mark Jack gave him and the possibility of hurting him, rather than because of the physical touch itself.