Chapter 961

Dawn broke with soft fingers against the orchard. Jude stirred, half-awake, mindful of the night's lingering heat on his skin where Grace had curled against him. The fire had gone cold, the embers vanished. He rose quietly, stepping over blankets and limbs until he found Grace's hand in the dawn's glow. She woke at his touch, eyes hazy and curious.

"We move today," he whispered.

She nodded, smooth as breath. "I'm ready."

They slipped outside, leaving the others sleeping in tangled warmth. The grass was wet, silver light pooling between blades. Jude led Grace by the hand to the eastern edge of the orchard where the watchers still shimmered, thin, pale figures lingering like memory's echo. They watched. Their forms held no menace now, but something patient, expectant. Jude met one watcher's gaze. It tilted away, but didn't vanish, an invitation, perhaps, or a question: "Will you leave together?"