Chapter 1403

They collapsed together, tangled, breathless.

The others followed - some coming in pairs, some in clusters, some alone but not lonely. And when it was done, when the forest quieted again, they lay on the furs, skin against skin, hearts thundering in sync.

Jude stared up at the canopy, arms wrapped around Lucy and Rose, feeling Sophie's breath against his ribs, Grace's fingers laced with his own.

Twelve wives.

Twelve hearts.

And something ancient awakening inside them all.

The air had weight to it, thick with sex and dew and the remnants of sacred breath. The canopy above them filtered golden light down in gentle waves, and for a moment, it felt like the sky itself was a blanket - heavy, comforting, watching.