Chapter 1268

Later, when she lay curled against his chest, her breathing steady and warm, Jude looked out through the open window.

And there, beyond the trees, he saw her.

Rose.

Standing half in shadow.

Naked. Dripping. Still.

Her black eyes met his, and she smiled softly - not cruelly this time. Not like the others.

Like her.

And then she vanished into the dark.

He didn't wake Lucy. He just lay there, holding her tighter, wondering if that smile had been a warning.

Or a goodbye.