Chapter 1331

The first step was warm beneath Jude's foot, like flesh wrapped in bark. The light from the tree filtered downward, curling into the spiraling passage like golden smoke. Rose led him by the hand, her grip firm but gentle, while the others followed close behind, still bare, their bodies still glistening with sweat and sex and starlight.

They descended in silence.

The roots coiled along the walls, some pulsing faintly, others smooth and cool, like the bones of something ancient and sleeping. The deeper they went, the more the world above faded. The hum of the tree softened into a heartbeat, slow and steady, not just heard - but felt.

At the bottom of the stairs, the passage widened into a vast chamber.

It wasn't like the others.