Chapter 1225

They didn't stay long after that. They knew it wasn't done with them - but they didn't need to push. Not today.

Back in the forest, the energy didn't leave. It followed them, clinging to their skin, curling in their breath. When they reached the river again, it felt different - brighter, faster. The water shimmered with gold threads now, not just blue. And when they stepped into it to wash the sweat and moss from their skin, the river embraced them.

Layla laughed as she dunked under, her wet hair slicked back from her face. "I feel like I'm high. "

"You are," Lucy teased, slipping up behind her to press a kiss to her shoulder. "On love."

Layla spun in the water, catching Lucy's mouth with hers, their kiss slow and languid. The others watched with grins and soft sighs, bodies drifting in the shallows.

Jude waded toward them, brushing his fingers along Sophie's waist. "You okay?"