Chapter 1263

Rose stirred from the other side of the room, her eyes fluttering open as if she'd been listening the entire time. She sat up slowly, her expression unreadable. Layla and Natalie followed, as if they were tethered to her breath. Susan and Grace sat up moments later. The only one still asleep was Stella, though even she began to stir now, face calm and dreamy.

"I told you," Rose said to no one in particular. "Walls won't stop what already lives inside."

"Lucy," Jude said, voice low and even, "come here."

She looked at him for a long time. Her eyes flicked over his face like she was reading a language she almost remembered.

"I'm fine," she said.

"I know," he replied gently. "But come anyway."