Chapter 1099

They moved quickly now, heartbeats thudding like war drums in the close space. The cave narrowed before opening into a chamber lit by faint bioluminescence. In the center, the roots formed a cradle of sorts, woven vines and thick tendrils wrapped around a pulsing cocoon. Rose stood beside it, her hands resting on the outer edge.

"This is the heart," she said without turning. "It's alive. It knows us. It listens."

Jude's voice cracked. "What is it?"

"The island," Rose whispered. "Its voice. Its memory. It chose me first."

Emma strode forward, raising her blade, but the roots reacted instantly, lashing out like snakes. She barely dodged one, rolling across the slick stone.

"Careful," Rose warned. "It defends its children."

Sophie glanced at Jude. "If we destroy that thing, "

"It might sever the connection," he finished.

Natalie ran to Emma's side, helping her up. "Then we have to try."