Chapter 1132

"I don't think we can," he whispered. "Not this time."

Scarlet's lips moved.

No voice came out.

Just breath.

And behind her, in the shadows of the trees, a second figure appeared.

No face.

No eyes.

No body, exactly.

But it was her.

Elyara.

Not inside someone. Not hiding.

There.

She stepped into the clearing, a body formed of shadow and skin and memories.

Jude's knees locked.

Sophie hissed. "We have to run, "

"No," Jude said, stepping forward.

"Jude, "

"She wants me. That's always been it."

Elyara tilted her head, a strange grace in her movements. Her limbs shimmered. Her face changed, became Susan's, then Natalie's, then Sophie's.

Every woman he'd ever loved.

Every temptation he'd ever tasted.

He took one more step toward her.

Then one more.

She reached out a hand.

And behind her, Scarlet's eyes changed.

She blinked.