"It sounds like one of the types of bonds we make.." There's a few kinds on his world. It happens when the majority of the population have some kind of telepathic or 'magical' ability.

He's lying on one of his wings now and crushing it. Phoenix shits back into his normal shape. "You may have been part of the process, but that doesn't make it your fault." He continues, still holding Alec, stroking smooth skin. "What happened to him? After everything I mean"