Page 27 of Knot My Type

The conversation flows seamlessly again, each of us sharing memories, dreams, and secrets, building a bond that feels almost unbreakable. Rhys goes off on a tangent about a childhood game that turned into a prank war between him and his neighbors. Fen rolls his eyes but can’t suppress a smile, and I find myself completely enchanted as I soak in their camaraderie.

Hours pass like minutes, laughter echoing in the cozy corners of the cabin. For a fleeting moment, all my worries slip away,replaced by warmth and the electric buzz of connection. Every so often, I catch Kael's gaze lingering on me longer than necessary.

Kael sits a little closer now; our knees almost touch, and there's a weight in the air that speaks of unspoken words and deeper feelings hovering just beneath the surface.

Eventually, Rhys heads to the kitchen, presumably to grab some snacks, leaving Fen and Kael and me alone together. I glance around the cabin, taking in the rustic decor, the flickering firelight casting warm shadows on the walls. My heart beats wildly, each thump a reminder of the magic brewing here—a potent mix of laughter, shared stories, and something more profound.

"Eliana," Kael says suddenly, breaking the quiet like the shattering of glass. His voice is low, almost hesitant, but the weight of it captures my full attention. I look at him, trying to read the depths of his expression. “I want to say something, but I want to make sure you’re okay with it.”

A shiver runs down my spine, a mixture of anticipation and nervous energy. “You can say anything to me, Kael. I’m here.”

He takes a deep breath, and in that moment, I sense the gravity of what he's about to share. “I know we’ve all been through a lot, but since you’ve come into our lives, I feel like something has shifted. You’ve brought light—and I want you to know that you’re not alone in this.” He pauses, then leans in closer, and the world outside seems to fall away. “Whatever you need, I’ll be here for you. Not just as your leader, but as someone who genuinely cares.”

This is a moment of connection, much deeper than anything I anticipated. My heart is racing, caught in an emotional whirlwind; my mind reels from the intimacy of his admission.

Suddenly, all the playful banter we shared seems trivial compared to the weight of what lies between us now. I want to respond, but the words catch in my throat.

Kael searches my eyes, and his expression softens, a hint of vulnerability dancing across his rugged features. He reaches out, his hand brushing against mine, and the spark between us ignites, electrifying every nerve ending.

There’s a fierce intensity in his gaze—a question mixed with longing and perhaps a hint of fear. The space between us narrows, and I can’t help but lean closer, so close that I feel the warm promise of his breath.

“Kael, I…” my voice falters, swallowed by the depths of my emotions.

And then, as if the universe conspired to align our fates, he closes the distance. His lips find mine in a deep and sensual kiss that sends tremors of warmth cascading through my entire being. The world fades into a blur, the kiss wrapping us in a cocoon of intimacy and understanding. It's everything I didn't know I needed—a fusion of trust, desire, and unspoken words.

For a moment, I lose myself in the sensation—the gentle pressure of his lips against mine, the way his fingers entwine with my hair, guiding me deeper into the kiss. There’s urgency and tenderness woven together, painting a tapestry of connection that ignites a fire within me.

When we finally pull apart, breathless and wide-eyed, a rush of exhilaration flows through me, leaving my heart racing. Kael seems almost startled but pleased, his stormy eyes reflective of the whirlwind of emotions swirling between us.

“Wow,” I whisper, a smile spread across my face as I take in the moment, filled with awe and vulnerability. “I didn’t know you—”

“It wasn’t fair to hold back any longer,” he interrupts gently, searching my gaze with a mix of apprehension and hope. “There’s something real here, Eliana. Something worth exploring.”

“I feel it too,” I admit, allowing my heart to open, embracing the discovery of new feelings. “You’ve surprised me in ways I never expected.”

Our eyes lock, and in that moment, I see the strength in him—the leader, the protector , but also the man who desires companionship and connection just like the rest of us. It’s a realization that ties my heart and mind into a complicated yet beautiful knot, a binding of souls that defies the chaos surrounding us.

Kael breaks our gaze briefly, his attention drawn to the shadows cast by the fire; they dance across the cabin walls like a silent ballet. “We can take things slow,” he murmurs, the gravity of his tone grounding us both. “I don’t want to overwhelm you. I know the past few days have been a lot.”

“A lot,” I echo, the word spilling forth like a nervous exhale. “But this… I didn’t expect this connection.” My heart thrums wildly, and for the first time, I feel daring enough to voice my desires.

“I’ve been wanting this, Kael,” I reveal, my voice steadying as I allow partial truths to slip. “To be closer, to share a part of this journey with you.” There’s a certain thrill in saying it out loud, a weight lifting from my chest, fueling my courage.

“Good,” he replies quietly, a combination of relief and pleasure drifting in his stormy eyes. “Because I want it too. I just wasn’t sure if I was ready or if you were.”

The outside world seems to emerge slowly from its murky corners, and I sense the uncharted paths so graciously laid before us. A moment of lighthearted laughter from Rhys in the kitchen pulls me out of my reverie, reminding me that our little bubble exists amidst a larger reality—it’s a comforting thought.

ELIANA

I’ve been here for nearly a month now, and I must admit that ever since I bonded with Fen, the only thing on my mind is whether, when the snowstorm ends in a couple of months, we’ll go back to normal.

It’s troubling me, and that’s why I can’t sleep. So, I slip out of bed, the soft blankets reluctantly releasing me from their warmth as I step into the chill of the cabin.

As I head to the living room, I see the three of them sitting on the sofa. The fire crackles, casting a flickering glow across the living room against the biting cold outside.

“Hot cocoa,” Fen offers, his deep voice wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. The steam rises, swirling lazily in the cool air, inviting and sweet.

“Thanks, Fen,” I say, accepting the mug gratefully. The moment my fingers brush against his, a jolt of warmth radiates through me—not just from the cocoa but from the underlying connection that simmers in the air. There’s something remarkably peaceful about this moment, despite the tempest outside.

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