Chapter 1187

The others drew closer as they ate, their circle tight, the fire's warmth shared. They spoke of small things-where they'd seen game trails, how the river's bend had shifted, what fruits they might find farther north. But beneath it all was the unspoken: the spire, the spiral, the eye that had opened and watched, the hum that still echoed faintly in their hearts.

When the meal was done, Jude stood, brushing crumbs from his hands. He looked at each of them in turn, his gaze lingering on their faces-the faces of the women he loved, the women who had fought and bled and dreamed beside him.

"We don't run from this," he said quietly. "Whatever it is the island is trying to show us, we face it. Together."

They nodded, one by one, no hesitation, no doubt.

Lucy sheathed her blade with a decisive snap. "What's the plan?"