Chapter 1073

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just... felt close to you."

Jude nodded, his chest tight.

She stood, walked back toward the treehouse without another word.

He sat there until the stars began to fade.

In the morning, Stella and Emma were making breakfast, their laughter ringing bright through the camp. Natalie was by the river, collecting smooth stones for her new sculpture. Everything seemed calm.

Until Grace turned and smiled at Sophie.

And Sophie froze.

Because Grace's smile was the same smile Rose wore.

And Layla.

And Zoey.

The same smile that meant something else was looking through their eyes.

Sophie's breath caught, her hand gripping Jude's.

"She's changed," she whispered.

Jude said nothing.

He knew it too.