Chapter 1383

For the first time since they'd set foot on the island, the world did not feel like it was watching. It felt them now - recognized them, even loved them. They lay there for a long while in the heart of the spiral's chamber, the heat of their bodies slowly giving way to coolness, to breath, to soft touches and the gradual return of thought.

Lucy stirred first. Her fingers traced the glowing lines still etched into Jude's chest, her mouth curving in a tired, satisfied smile.

"We're different now," she whispered.

He nodded slowly, his voice hoarse. "Yeah. Everything is."

The others shifted around them. Rose propped herself on one elbow and looked up toward the cavern's ceiling, where the spiral light pulsed faintly like a heartbeat. Grace curled against Stella's side, both women breathing in perfect sync. Emma leaned over Jude's shoulder, brushing her lips against his neck.

"Did we just awaken a god?" she murmured.