Chapter 1186

Jude's vision swam with images-spirals within spirals, roots reaching deep into the earth, stars falling into dark water, shapes moving beneath the island, vast and unknowable. He saw his wives, their faces aglow with strength and love, bound to him and to each other. He saw himself reflected in the spiral, not as a man alone, but as part of something greater.

He pulled his hand back, heart racing, breath unsteady. The hum softened, returning to that steady rhythm that had drawn them here.

Sophie touched his face, concern in her eyes. "What did you see?"

"Everything," Jude said quietly. "And nothing I can explain."

Rose stepped forward, laying her hand where his had been. The spire glowed warmly beneath her touch, as if it knew her, as if it welcomed her. One by one, the others followed-Lucy, Zoey, Scarlet, Grace, Susan, Stella, Natalie, Emma-each laying a hand on the stone, each adding to the connection, the bond.