Atlas’s hand curls slightly like he needs something to grab.
Kael’s jaw flexes once, barely.
And all three of them...look at me like they want me.
Not instead of each other.
Not in competition.
Not in confusion.
Together.
Want isn’t the right word.
It’s need, barely restrained.
I inhale shakily.“I don’t want to hold you back.”
Kael answers first.“You’re not.”
Atlas’s voice lowers to a growl.“You’re pulling us forward.”
Finn smiles softly.“You couldn’t slow us down if you tried.”
My pulse stutters.My grip on the mug tightens.I feel my cheeks heat, my chest flutter, my legs go warm under Kael’s shirt.
I whisper, “I don’t know how to be...this.”
Kael’s voice goes quiet as breath.“We’ll show you.”
Finn nods.“One piece at a time.”
Atlas steps nearer, close enough his presence brushes the air around me.“We’re not going anywhere.”
I look at each of them, heart pounding.
“I want...”The words die in my throat.I swallow.“I want to feel safe today.”
Kael nods once.“Pick who walks you.”
Another choice.
Another moment where all three stand still and let me set the direction.
I breathe in, shaky.“Kael.”
His exhale is barely audible—but it vibrates through the space between us.
Finn nods with a soft smile that hurts in a good way.
Atlas grunts his approval, low and warm.
Kael straightens slowly, like he’s afraid moving too fast will break the moment.“Alright,” he murmurs.“We’ll leave when you’re ready.”
I stand, and for the first time in months, my body doesn’t tense at the idea of stepping outside.
Not because the fear is gone.
