Chapter 1476

The others circled around the throne, and the air thickened with energy. Jude's skin prickled. The roots overhead rustled like leaves in a breeze no one could feel.

"Someone has to take it in," Rose said. "To bind the bond. To finish the song."

He felt all eyes turn to him.

But Sophie stepped forward instead.

"I'll do it."

Emma reached for her. "Are you sure?"

Sophie nodded. "I've resisted the longest. Maybe… maybe that means I'm strong enough to handle what comes next."

Rose smiled. "Or it means the island waited for you."

Sophie climbed the dais and placed her hand on the throne.

It gasped.

A sound like breath - like awakening. The roots coiled upward, curling around her wrist, then her arm, then her waist. Sophie's eyes went wide, then heavy. Her body arched backward as the vines spread across her like a second skin, pulsing, wrapping, claiming.

And then she moaned.

Not in pain.

In pleasure.