Chapter 1279

She was alone, dressed in nothing but her long black hair. Her body was as he remembered - soft and strong, every curve still etched in his hands, every freckle known. Her golden eyes glowed faintly.

"You've touched them all now," she said. "Felt the truth in their skin."

"What truth?" he asked.

"That the island doesn't take. It gives."

"It gives you back changed."

"It gives you back whole."

He stepped closer, heart racing.

Rose held out her hand. "You're ready."

"For what?"

She smiled. "To let go of fear. To feel everything."

Jude took her hand.

The moment their skin met, the air shimmered around them.

And then he was kissing her.

Not like before. Not desperate. Not afraid.

It was slow, sweet, full of memory and newness.