Chapter 1499

Rose stood, the roots slipping from her skin, receding like they'd finished their purpose. She walked toward him - fully naked, fully real, and more Rose than he'd ever seen. She cupped his cheek.

"Now, we ask her what she wants in return."

Above them, the ceiling of the cave began to open.

Not with a crack, not with collapse - but like a flower blooming.

Petals of stone unfolding, letting sunlight pour down onto their bare skin.

And in the light, they saw the truth.

Not just the island.

But the sky.

And in the sky -

Something moved .

A shape.

A presence.

Watching.

And humming back.