Page 132 of Hard Knot

What started as a simple exercise transforms into something more as our separate melodies intertwine.

The harmonies blend perfectly — his low, grounding notes provide the foundation for my lighter embellishments. We create something neither of us could achieve alone, the music filling the glass-enclosed space with unexpected beauty.

As we reach the final notes, letting them fade into the morning quiet, I find myself understanding something I never had before.

"One can't learn and be led without vulnerability," I say softly, the words feeling like a confession. "Without trust, such revelations won't become weapons. I never really got that before."

My fingers trace idle patterns on the keys as I continue.

"I was so focused on being at the top, leading the way, proving I was the best at everything. But becoming an Omega, being forced into the shadows..." I pause, organizing my thoughts. "It made me see the world from a different angle. Made me understand why they always say it takes two to tango."

I look up at him then, finding his gaze already on me.

For once, there are no walls in his expression, no careful distance maintained. He's simply present, allowing me to see him as he is.

A smile tugs at my lips as I slowly —so slowly— raise my hand.

His good eye tracks the movement, but he doesn't pull away.

Doesn't retreat behind his usual barriers.

When my fingers finally make contact with his cheek, ghosting over the scarred tissue he usually keeps hidden, his breath catches slightly, but he doesn’t flinch away from my touch.

"The blindfold is unnecessary," I whisper, letting my eyes soften as I really look at him. "You look so much more powerful like this. In this state of handsome serenity."

I accept his speechlessness, understanding now that sometimes silence says more than words ever could. When I start to withdraw my hand, his voice — raw and rough with emotion — stops me.

"Will you always hate me?"

The question hits like a physical blow, making my heart stutter in my chest.

Four simple words carry the weight of every misunderstanding between us; every moment of perceived rejection…every wall we've both built thinking they were necessary.

A frown tugs at my lips as I consider his question, trying to find the right words to express feelings I'm only just beginning to understand myself.

"I don't hate you," I say finally, meeting his gaze. "How can I hate someone I barely know?" A wry smile touches my lips. "Maybe to the world, I enjoy projecting another perception of annoyed scrutiny because it's become a form of protection I never knew I needed. To lie to the world if it means they never know the truth about my life. That usually brings me a different sense of peace, and I welcome that.”

My fingers trail lightly over his scarred cheek as I continue.

"No, I don't hate you. But if you dislike me, I understand. We never really gave each other the chance to introduce ourselves properly, did we?"

His silence feels different now — thoughtful rather than dismissive. Understanding blooms in my chest as I realize he's taking time to process my words, to form his own response.

To do this right.

A smile curves my lips as I step back slightly, extending my hand in formal greeting.

"Hi. I'm Elizabeth Abercrombie, and I'll be your temporary Omega. At least until we can all get the hell out of this joint and back to our lives outside of Knot Academy’s cruel walls."

He studies my hand for a moment before taking it in his, his touch surprisingly gentle.

"Holmes Holmesovich," he says, his voice carrying that rough edge I'm starting to find oddly appealing.

My heart flutters at the appeal of reconciliation.

The Truth Lies Between The Lines

~ELIZABETH~

---