Chapter 1402

Jude's heart thumped once, heavy.

Lucy sat straighter in his lap.

"I resisted because I didn't trust it. Because I didn't want to lose control," Sophie said. "But control was never real. Love is. Connection is."

She crossed the space and knelt before Jude.

"I want to change. Not because I'm weak. Not because I'm broken. Because I want to belong to something more."

He reached out slowly, cupping her cheek. "Are you sure?"

Tears welled in her eyes, but her smile was radiant. "I've never been more sure of anything."

Rose stepped forward and offered her hand.

Sophie took it.

The others circled them, not in fear this time - but in reverence.

As Rose kissed Sophie, the island began to hum again.

And this time, Jude didn't resist.