Chapter 1272

Stella reappeared at the edge of the platform. She wasn't wearing the clothes she'd gone up in. Instead, she had on a long, flowing wrap made from soft palm fronds and stitched feathers - just like Rose had worn. Her hair was braided in a pattern none of them had done before. Her feet were bare. She stepped slowly down the stairs, not saying a word.

And she was smiling.

The same smile.

The same one.

Lucy's fingers tightened around Jude's.

Stella crossed the clearing in complete silence, then sat beside Grace again, who instantly leaned her head on her shoulder.

"I dreamed of her last night," Grace said softly.

Stella brushed her fingers through Grace's hair. "She dreams of you too."

Sophie stood abruptly. "Okay. No more pretending this is normal."

"It's not," Zoey agreed, rising to her feet. "That smile. The clothes. The humming. This isn't Stella anymore."