Chapter 1135

Rose's arms were crossed, her fingers unconsciously tapping her forearm. "It's not just her waiting. She wants us to wait too. Maybe so, we'll drop our guard."

"No," Sophie murmured. "She's not hiding. She's watching."

Emma's voice came from behind, low and tight. "Then let's make her wait with us. Let's not give her a reason to move."

Jude turned slowly, his eyes scanning every one of the women, their faces, their bodies, the expressions written on their skin. There were no false smiles now. No odd glances. No corrupted desire leaking through. Just tired, fierce, real women. His women.

"We stay close today," he said. "No searches, no watcherscript hunting, no rituals. We stay in the camp. Together. If she wants us to wait, we'll wait, but on our terms."