Chapter 986

Scarlet helped Raven across; Susan lifted Laurel. Serena offered steady hands to the wives. One by one, they crossed, watchers echoing each step with light pulses in mist. On the far bank, the forest breathed differently, looser, older, wilder.

Grace let out a small breath. "We've left safety behind."

"And found trust," Jude answered.

They moved on, deeper. Hummingbird flashes lit blossoms. Ferns arched overhead. The watchers floated through branches, as though expecting each step, making way. They reached a massive root fallen across the path, wide as their home's arch. A watcher stood before it. It bent, extending mist to cradle the root's weight. Jude and wives stepped over. Grace followed, touching the bowed root. "Thank you," she whispered.