Chapter 1239

Stella and Susan were lounging near the trees, their bodies tangled together in some quiet embrace. Natalie stood a little ways off, plucking petals from a vine and watching them fall with eerie amusement.

Jude shifted, brushing his hand against Lucy's.

"She's gone too," Lucy whispered.

"I know."

"Emma was the strongest," Sophie added quietly. "If she fell, how are we supposed to resist?"

"We don't resist yet," Jude murmured. "We watch."

"I'm tired of watching," Sophie hissed under her breath.

Jude's eyes didn't leave Rose. "We're close to something. I can feel it."

Rose's humming stopped.

She looked up, slowly, and her eyes met Jude's across the clearing. That smile bloomed again - beautiful and haunting - and for a moment, he swore he could hear her voice in his head.

You'll understand soon.

He stood abruptly. "I'm going for a walk."

"I'll come," Lucy said.

Sophie hesitated, then nodded. "Me too."