Chapter 1148

Jude closed his eyes. In the darkness behind his eyelids, he saw Rose's face, softer, younger. Before the smile had changed. Before the river. Before the bones. Her lips had pressed to his that night, cold and warm at once, full of promises she hadn't said aloud.

What if she's still in there? he wondered.

The thought struck him deep.

But he couldn't let it weaken him.

The moment the watcher stone's glow pulsed again, Sophie stood. "She'll come to the river. That's where she first changed."

"She'll want to finish what she started," Zoey said.

They moved fast this time. Silent but focused. No more running. This was hunting.

By the time they reached the river's edge, the sun had set again. The water glistened silver under the cloud-covered sky. Something shimmered near the shore, a line of stones arranged in a spiral pattern leading down into the river.

"She's here," Emma whispered.

"She wants you to follow," Lucy said.