Chapter 1529

He tried to hold on to the rational part of himself, the voice that had been cautious, resistant. But it was quieter now, like it had taken a step back to let something else speak.

The island's song had not faded.

It had simply gone inside them.

Rose stood slowly and extended a hand toward him. "There's something we need to show you," she said.

Sophie lifted her head. "Now?"

Rose nodded. "It's time."

Jude glanced down at the women still nestled around him, then looked back up at her. "All of us?"

"Just you," Rose said, then looked toward the trees. "And her."

From the shadows, Stella emerged.

She was dressed in the same wrap of feathers and fronds, but this time it shimmered faintly in the sunlight, as if dusted in dew and magic. Her eyes met Jude's with that same serene confidence that had unnerved him once. Now it just called to him.

"Where are we going?" he asked, though he already knew the answer wouldn't matter.