105

Knox's stirring broke the contemplative silence. His tired eyes took in the room before landing on us. "What the hell, it's almost 10," he exclaimed, his surprise evident as he registered the time.

Kael, seemingly unaffected, responded, "Yeah, you looked like you could use the rest." He acknowledged Knox's weariness and the unexpected respite I had somehow brought.

Knox stretched and yawned loudly. His movements were still sluggish with the remnants of sleep as he stood and walked over to me. He leaned down, kissed my forehead, and whispered, "I'll see you later." He grabbed a water bottle and left Kael and me to our own devices.

Following Knox's departure, Kael and I retreated to his room. The bed beckoned.

In this charged instant, when the moment was thick with unspoken desires and a longing for closeness, I decided. Leaning in, I began to kiss along his stomach, each touch a silent declaration of my thoughts, an invitation to explore the depths of our connection without restr