Chapter 1568

They came hard and fast, then slower the second time, and slower still the third - until she was breathless, limp, but smiling like someone who had seen God and winked at Him.

"I needed that," she whispered. "You have no idea."

"I think I do," he murmured, brushing her hair back.

A tree grew near them, its trunk twisted like her laughter, flowers red as her lips.

She kissed his mouth one more time, slow and deep, then waved him off.

"Go, hero," she said. "We'll meet again."

He walked next toward Zoey's path.

Even before he reached her, he felt the heat.

Not from fire - but from her. That wild, chaotic joy that pulsed through the trees like electricity. He found her straddling a rock, legs spread wide, sharpening a blade she'd found in the volcanic cave.

"You're late," she grinned.

"You would've started without me."

"Damn right."