Chapter 1161

The night felt endless. The fire burned low, casting long, trembling shadows across their faces. Every crack of a branch, every rustle of leaves made Jude's pulse quicken, made Lucy's hand tighten around her blade, made Sophie's breath catch. The island felt alive with tension, as if the ground itself was waiting for Rose's next move. But the forest remained silent, holding its secrets just out of reach.

Dawn crept in slowly, painting the horizon in soft pinks and golds. But the light didn't bring peace. It only revealed how pale and drawn they all looked, how little rest they'd gotten, how raw their nerves had become. Jude stared at the dying fire until the last ember faded, and then he rose, brushing dirt from his hands.

"We need to move," he said, voice low. "We can't sit here and let her come to us. We have to find answers before she does."

Sophie nodded, though her eyes were heavy with worry. "Where do we even start?"