Chapter 1105

Lucy watched from the shadows, eyes gleaming. Stella stood at the edge, lips parted as if waiting for a cue.

"They're falling," Emma said beside him.

He turned. "Stella?"

"She's next," Emma said. "You feel it?"

He nodded. "They're lining up like pieces."

Emma's hand found his. She held it tight, grounding herself. Her eyes searched the others' faces, not with suspicion, but sorrow.

"I hate this," she said. "I hate watching them become… not them."

"We won't let it take you too," Jude said. His hand slid to her lower back, drawing her close. Emma leaned into his chest and whispered, "Kiss me. Just to remember who I am."

He did. Soft and slow. His mouth explored hers like it was new again, like it might save them. Her fingers tangled in his shirt, and for a moment, all the chaos vanished. When they parted, she smiled.

"I'm still here," she said.

But then they heard footsteps.