Chapter 1485

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the Sanctum, not moving far, simply existing in the shared peace of what they'd created. There was laughter, soft touches, whispered stories.

Natalie braided Sophie's hair. Stella played with Susan's fingers like they were puzzles. The sunlight filtered through the leaves in beams, golden and warm, and Jude felt - finally - safe.

But as the light began to fade and dusk crept into the trees, Rose sat up.

"It's time," she said.

Everyone stilled.

"For what?" Jude asked, his body tense again in an instant.

"For the offering," she replied calmly. "We've given ourselves to each other. Now we give ourselves to the island."

Zoey sat up slowly, her jaw tight. "What kind of offering?"

Rose's eyes sparkled. "Not blood. Not pain. Joy. Unity. The island wants to feel what we feel. It wants to become with us."

"Like we've become with each other," Grace whispered.

Rose nodded. "Exactly."