Chapter 1085

They had seen the signs. The pattern. Rose had changed since the fall, since that cursed river swallowed her and returned something different. Then Layla changed. Then Zoey. And now Grace was growing quieter, colder, her usual warmth retreating into something unreadable.

Jude made his way to the river with Stella and Emma, hoping a bit of distance might clear his head. They spent the morning casting nets into the slow-moving stream, talking softly about old memories, laughing when the fish splashed too hard and soaked their legs. Emma was all grins and sharp wit, teasing Jude about his "harem" of wild wives, and Stella occasionally brushed her hand along his back as she passed, lingering just enough to make his skin tingle.

It was comforting. Human. Real.