Chapter 975

He turned to her. "But it's not mine."

Zoey shook her head. "It is now."

Jude didn't answer. Instead, he took her hand, and they walked back to camp together.

Over the next few days, the watchers returned often, but never crossed the new trail. Instead, they hovered at its edges, silent, patient. Jude could feel the island shifting, subtly, like a current beginning to pull.

Susan was the first to suggest it out loud. "They're leading us to the mountain, aren't they?"

Grace didn't answer, but her gaze lingered long on the trail.

That night, as Jude sat beside the fire with Stella and Natalie curled against him, he watched the mist dance along the trees and knew a choice was coming. One that would test everything they'd built. One that might demand sacrifice, or reveal truth.

But not yet.

For now, he kissed Stella's forehead, pulled Natalie closer, and let himself drift in the warmth of their breathing.

The island would wait.