Chapter 1008

That night, as thunder rumbled faintly across the ocean, Jude lay between Serena and Grace. He kissed Serena's fingers, listened to her heartbeat. She smiled into his neck.

"We're growing," she whispered.

"In many ways," Grace added, placing a hand on his chest.

They made love slowly, reverently, as if echoing the island's rhythms. Outside, the watchers watched nothing but rain.

The next day, Jude and a new group returned to the glade. This time, Susan brought a new glyph: a swirl overlaid with a heartbeat line. It meant union. They spoke new names. The watchers appeared again. This time, they moved.

One shape crossed the boundary into the glade. Only a footstep, barely. Jude did not react. He just bowed, slow and deep. The watcher flickered. Then withdrew.

Progress.

They returned once more. That evening, the orchard was alive with a quiet hum. Not fear. Not tension. Anticipation.

Something was coming. Change.