Hours passed.
The temple thrummed with magic and musk and sweat.
By the time the sun was directly overhead, the stone platform shimmered with the memory of them - wet and warm and still pulsing softly.
Jude collapsed at its base, the women curling around him, naked and luminous.
Rose curled into his side, her lips on his throat. "She's pleased."
Emma smiled sleepily. "So am I."
Sophie laughed. "You sound drunk."
"I am," Emma murmured. "Drunk on all of you."
Jude closed his eyes.
The hum faded again.
But the bond didn't.
They had claimed the temple.
And now, the island was truly theirs.