Chapter 1009

Grace pressed her heart to the wood of the shrine, breathed out. She whispered vows. The watchers bowed forward. Light flared just for her, then receded. Two other wives followed, Layla and Lucy, with gentle words. Each focus drew watchers close; warmth pressed into each vow.

They repeated for every wife. Children followed suit, whispers low and solemn. At the end, the shrine seemed to inhale, a gasp in energy, like the watchers had accepted passage deeper into family. The vines around the shrine glistened new green.

They left memory-slates there as gifts, the vows recorded in water and promise.

Back in orchard, Emma began teaching glyph symbols to children: friendship, promise, heart, growth. She drew symbols in sand beneath fig tree while watchers glowed soft as guardians. Children traced them with fingers, laughter echoing life.