Chapter 952

He heard fragments, melodies, colors with names that didn't exist. They dreamed of futures, of other worlds, of a second Vault waiting in the sky. And beyond that, something else. Something beautiful.

Jude closed his eyes.

And whispered, "We're ready."

Jude opened his eyes before dawn. The world outside was silent, the kind of silence that didn't just lack noise, it seemed to actively hold its breath. He sat up slowly, careful not to disturb the sleeping bodies around him. Susan's fingers were still looped loosely around his wrist, and he gently slid out from beneath her touch. A few of the others stirred but didn't wake. The warmth of their shared sleep clung to his skin as he slipped out into the cool morning.