16. Laia

16

LAIA

I sit by the stream, knees pulled to my chest, staring at the water as it rushes over the rocks. The encounter with Irix left me shaken. I ran away from him yesterday despite my shaky legs. It was kind of funny as I wobbled around, but that was all I could do at that time.

His touch was searing, his kiss a consuming fire. But what does it mean? I can't deny the pull he has over me, but am I just falling into another trap? I wrap my arms tighter around myself, telling myself that this is payment—my body for their protection.

The air is cool, the scent of grass and damp earth mingling with the faintest hint of smoke from our campfire. The stream's babble should be soothing, but my mind races, refusing to calm. The memory of Irix's hands on me, his lips claiming mine with such force, it sends my senses into overdrive. I close my eyes, trying to push away the confusion and fear that gnaw at me.

Along with this endless desire that seems to consume every waking moment of my life. And at night, it helps chase the nightmares away.

Soft footsteps on the mossy ground pull me from my thoughts. Kael approaches quietly, his presence a stark contrast to Irix's fiery intensity. He sits down beside me without a word, his calm eyes scanning my face.

“Laia,” he says gently, breaking the silence. “You’ve been avoiding Irix. Did he do something?”

I swallow hard, unsure how to respond. My gaze shifts back to the stream. “It’s... complicated,” I finally whisper.

Kael nods, his expression understanding. “I can see that something is troubling you. You can tell me.”

The sincerity in his voice almost breaks me. I want to tell him everything—about Irix, my fears, about Eryndor’s hold on me that still lingers like a dark shadow. But the words stick in my throat.

“I’m just... trying to figure things out,” I say instead, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kael places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Whatever you need, we’re here for you,” he says softly. “You’re not alone anymore.”

I look up at him, meeting his kind eyes. For a moment, the weight on my chest lightens just a little bit.

I don’t answer at first, my fingers twisting in the fabric of my trousers. The silence stretches between us, heavy with unspoken fears. Finally, I nod, my voice barely a whisper. “I’m scared, Kael. I feel like I’m losing control again.”

Kael’s hand rests on my shoulder, his touch warm and comforting. “You have us now. We’ll protect you.”

I look up at him, my eyes filled with uncertainty. “But who’s going to protect me from myself?”

Kael smiles softly, his hand moving to cup my cheek. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

Kael leads me deeper into the forest, our footsteps soft against the moss-covered ground. The air grows cooler, the canopy above thickening as we move further away from the lair. We walk in silence, but it’s a comforting quiet, not the heavy, oppressive silence that usually haunts my steps.

After a few minutes, I hear the sound of rushing water. Kael pushes aside a curtain of vines, revealing a secluded waterfall nestled among the trees. The water cascades down in a shimmering sheet, crashing into a clear pool below. Mist hangs in the air, cool and refreshing against my skin.

For a moment, I just stand there, taking it all in. The weight on my chest lifts, replaced by a sense of peace I haven’t felt in a long time. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

Kael smiles softly, his eyes reflecting the tranquility of the scene. “I come here when I need to clear my mind,” he says. “I thought it might help you too.”

Without another word, we wade into the water. It’s cold but invigorating, and soon we’re splashing and laughing like children. The tension between us melts away with each playful splash, the heaviness of our previous conversation forgotten for now.

Kael’s laughter is contagious, his usually serious demeanor giving way to a boyish charm. I find myself smiling genuinely for the first time in what feels like forever. We drift closer in the water, our movements becoming slower and more deliberate.

Something shifts between us. The playfulness fades, replaced by a charged silence. Our eyes meet, and suddenly the air feels thicker, every breath laden with unspoken words and unacknowledged feelings.

Kael’s hand brushes mine under the water—a simple touch that sends a shiver up my spine. The waterfall roars behind us, but it’s as if we’re in our own little world—a world where fear and pain don’t exist.

I don’t know what to say or do next. My mind whirls crazily, not with fear this time but with something else—something I’m almost afraid to name.

We stand there in the water, inches apart yet feeling closer than ever before.

Kael’s hand brushes mine, and my breath catches. We’re standing so close now, the water lapping at our waists, our bodies inches apart. Kael’s gaze flicks to my lips, and I feel my heart skip a beat. The world narrows to just the space between us, filled with unspoken possibilities.

Without thinking, I lean in, my lips meeting his in a soft, tentative kiss. His lips are warm and gentle against mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away. It’s gentle at first, a question more than a statement, but then the kiss deepens.

Kael’s arms wrap around me, pulling me closer as the world melts away. His touch is both tender and firm. My fingers find their way to his hair, tangling in the damp strands as our kiss intensifies.

In that moment, I forget the danger that lurks in the shadows of Protheka. I forget the fear that has haunted me since my escape from Eryndor. I forget the uncertainty that plagues every decision I make. There’s only Kael and the quiet comfort he offers.

The waterfall roars behind us, but it’s a distant sound now—background noise to our kiss. The cool water laps at our bodies, but all I feel is the warmth of Kael’s embrace. His hands slide down my back, sending shivers of pleasure through me.

We pull apart slightly, our foreheads resting against each other’s as we catch our breath. Kael’s eyes are filled with something I can’t quite name—something deep and genuine.

He makes me feel safe. Kael is so different from Irix. If Irix likes to take, Kael gives so much care and peace.

And in Kael’s arms, I believe that maybe—just maybe—I can find my way out of the darkness.

Maybe... I need him in more ways than one.