Chapter 1578

The rest of the women appeared around him then, emerging from the edges of the circle like the rising sun. Lucy came first, her golden gaze warm and welcoming. Grace and Stella flanked her, draped in pale cloth, hair loose. Zoey and Scarlet walked together, hips swaying, their bodies marked with faint traces of last night's ritual still glowing on their thighs.

Natalie carried a cup of fruit and water, which she extended to the newcomers with a small, knowing smile. "Eat. Drink. You'll need your strength."

The woman took it with trembling hands. The man hesitated, then accepted a slice of fruit, biting into it slowly. His pupils dilated.

"It tastes like..." he began, but didn't finish. Instead, he gasped - soft and deep - and swayed slightly. Lucy was there in an instant, her hand on his chest, steadying him.

"It remembers you," she said softly. "You're already changing."