Chapter 934

That night, they slept close together. Jude curled between Grace and Susan, Lucy's hand resting on his arm, Natalie's braid pressed gently to his shoulder. The warmth of them soothed him, and the faint sounds of their breaths blended into something grounding. He didn't dream of watchers that night. He dreamed of apples blooming twice in one season, of voices singing over rivers, of his hands planting trees that bloomed silver instead of green.

Morning came slower. The mist hadn't receded as fully as usual, and the orchard air remained thick, though not threatening. Jude rose with the light, careful not to disturb anyone. He pulled a shawl over his shoulders and stepped outside, walking barefoot through the soil.

To his surprise, Stella was already there, kneeling near the water trough, her hair unbraided and loose around her shoulders.

"You didn't sleep?" he asked gently.