On the tenth day, they found the first message.
Carved into the trunk of the tree near the east garden, in perfect spiral lettering:
YOU ARE NOT THE LAST
It wasn't a threat. It wasn't even ominous. But it rattled Jude more than anything else had. Because the implication was clear: more were coming.
He brought Ashra to the message. She studied it quietly for several minutes.
"This is older script," she said. "Not island-made. This predates the dreaming. This is from the ones who came before."
Jude's heart thudded. "I thought the gods erased them."
Ashra looked him in the eyes. "Apparently not all of them."
That night, the faceless girl stood in the circle again, only this time, she moved.
She pointed.
Toward the volcano.
Jude felt the pull instantly. Not curiosity. Obligation.
The next morning, he didn't hide his intention.
"I'm going to the volcano," he told them.