Page 24 of Knot My Type

Rhys gives Kael a pat on the back as he joins us, breaking the tension. “See? Nothing to be afraid of. Just a bunch of friends sharing some laughs and stories beside a warm fire.”

“But we’re not just friends,” I point out, glancing at them each in turn. “We’re becoming something more, aren’t we?”

There’s a moment of silence as we each digest the weight of my words. Then Fen nods slowly, as if confirming that we have crossed an invisible threshold—moving beyond mere acquaintances into something deeper.

Kael sits beside me, an arm’s length away but still close enough that I can feel the warmth emanating from him. I can’t shake off the desire to close that distance, to feel the full force of the heat that radiates from him. But I resist the urge, unsure of how to navigate the sensations whirling within me.

“What do you want to talk about?” he finally asks, his voice low and gravelly, drawing me in. There’s a shift of something vulnerable in his gaze, urging me to open up.

I take a pause, considering the question and how it resonates with my own feelings. “I guess I want to know more about you—who you are beyond the strong, silent leader of our pack.” I’m surprised at my own courage, heart hammering with anticipation.

Rhys grins broadly, clearly pleased with my boldness. “Now that’s the spirit! This is about sharing, remember? Kael, what do you hide behind that gruff facade?”

Kael snorts in response, though the hint of a smile plays on his lips. “Nothing worth sharing.”

I narrow my eyes playfully. “Come on, no one here is trying to judge. We all have scars, Kael.”

He shifts a little but remains silent for a moment, as if weighing the decision to open up. Fen leans forward, his intense gaze softer now. “You can be honest with us. We’re all friends here. You always seem to shoulder the burdens of being the leader. What’s your own story?”

Kael’s gaze flicks to me briefly, and I can feel the weight of his thoughts press into the air. “I’ve always been drawn to challenges,” he finally admits, his voice catching slightly. “Leading has its toll. I’ve lost people—intentionally or otherwise. I bear the responsibility of ensuring everyone makes it home. But sometimes, I wonder if I’m doing it all for the right reasons.”

“There’s a certain weight to leadership,” I agree, my heart aching for him. “You’re afraid to show the cracks because you feel you have to be strong for everyone else.”

He meets my gaze—those intense eyes holding mine for a moment that feels electric. “Yes,” he admits finally. “It is easier to hide behind strength, to bear the mantle of authority without exposing too much.”

“But there’s power in vulnerability,” I insist gently, wanting him to understand that opening up doesn’t mean weakness. “That’s where true connection happens.”

Rhys, sensing a shift, interjects, “Okay! I get that we have emotional stuff to process, but how about we mix things up a bit? Here’s a challenge! Let’s see who can share the most embarrassing story about their past.”

Kael raises an eyebrow, skepticism rippling through him. “That’s supposed to lighten the mood?”

“Absolutely!” Rhys replies, unabashed. “Who doesn’t love a dose of humiliation to start the night?”

I can’t help but snicker, a grin creeping onto my face. “Alright. I’m in. But be warned, I might just blow your embarrassing stories out of the water.”

“Bring it on!” Rhys challenges, eyes gleaming.

“Alright, I guess I’ll go first,” I say, trying to gather my thoughts. “When I was around twelve, I decided I was going to impress my crush at school by climbing to the top of the monkey bars during recess. I thought it would make me look cool and fearless.”

The guys lean in, eager anticipation woven through their expressions.

“Well, I got my floppy shoes caught, and instead of looking cool, I ended up face-planting right in front of him. I had dirt and grass stains on my face, and he just laughed as I tried to get myself upright. In retrospect, I guess it brought the schoolyardtogether in a fit of laughter—which made it a defining moment, as embarrassing as it was. At least I learned to embrace the chaos!”

Laughter erupts around the room, and I can’t help but smile at the lighter atmosphere. Rhys shakes his head, his gleeful laughter ringing through the cabin. “That is priceless! You faced planted in front of a crush? Classic Eliana!”

“Okay, your turn, Kael,” Rhys insists, pointing a finger at him. “You claim to be the king of cool. What about you?”

Kael looks around, clearly resigned to the moment. “Alright, since we’re sharing…” He takes a breath, smoothing a hand over his rugged jaw as if preparing himself. “Back in elementary school, I tried to impress a girl by showing off my ‘tough guy’ skills. I thought it would be impressive to wrestle a larger kid.”

A murmur of interest fills the room.

“I went in for the tackle but completely misjudged the momentum,” Kael continues, a shadow of a smile breaking through. “I ended up falling backwards, and we both collided into the principal’s car parked just outside the school. The front bumper was dented, and I was severely reprimanded while trying to explain to the girl why my ‘toughness’ had literally landed us in trouble.”

I lean forward, eyes wide with barely suppressed laughter. “You damaged your principal’s car while attempting to show off? That’s amazing!”

“Not my finest hour,” he concedes with a hint of amusement, warmth filling his usually reserved demeanor.

Rhys chuckles, gesturing toward Kael’s earlier bravado. “Who knew the mighty leader had a vulnerable past?”

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