Chapter 1207

Finally, Lucy stepped forward. "You three go ahead. We'll come behind you."

For the first time, Rose's smile twitched - just a hair. A fracture. But it vanished quickly.

"Of course," she said sweetly, and the trio turned and disappeared down the narrow trail that led behind the waterfall, Grace nestled between them like a lamb in velvet jaws.

The moment they were out of sight, the tension broke like a dam.

Susan dropped to her knees, tears welling as she stared at the spot Grace had just stood.

"She didn't even look at me," she whispered. "Not really."

"She's still in there," Jude said quickly, crouching beside her. "I know she is."

"No," Zoey said, voice low and sharp. "She's fading. Just like Layla did. Just like - " She stopped herself. Bit her lip. Looked down the trail with fire in her eyes.

Natalie put a hand on her shoulder. "If we rush in, we lose more."

"Then what?" Lucy snapped. "We let them keep converting?"