Chapter 948

That night, no one slept easily. The book pulsed on the table, unread but aware. The faceless girl did not visit Jude in dreams. Instead, he dreamt of a vast hall of mirrors, each one reflecting a different future. In one, he was alone in a city of rust. In another, he was sitting in this very room, laughing with his wives as the orchard bloomed into endless spring. In the final mirror, there was no reflection, just the sound of waves crashing and a ribbon floating downward like a falling star.

When morning broke, the house was filled with quiet purpose. No one had to ask what they were doing. They would read the book. Together. Carefully.