Chapter 1126

The fire had long since burned down to glowing embers when Jude stirred. The air was too still. Not the comforting hush of sleep, but something heavier. A hush full of watching. He sat up slowly, careful not to wake Sophie, though her hand still clutched his. Across the clearing, the moon hovered low and bright, casting silver light over the sleeping forms of the others. But Zoey was gone.

He stood quietly and scanned the camp. Layla's hammock swayed faintly, as if recently vacated. Rose's was empty.

His heartbeat picked up.

He squeezed Sophie's hand gently. Her eyes fluttered open.

"They're gone," he whispered.

She sat up without a word, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, already knowing who he meant.