Mina didn't pull away.
She stared at her hand like it wasn't hers anymore.
Then she looked at Kael.
"You're doing it again," she whispered. "It's… warm. It's everywhere."
He pulled his hand back. "Mina—"
"No," she said. "I want to know."
She stood, slid around the table, and straddled his lap before he could react.
Her lips met his, hesitant, searching.
Then… she melted into him.
Ether surged. Books flew off shelves. Lights pulsed. Something inside both of them snapped.
When it was over, Mina trembled in his arms.
"I think I love you," she said.
Kael closed his eyes.
Three knots.
And counting.