Chapter 1603

They didn't return to their home as they had left it. The moss still hummed beneath their feet. The trees leaned inward, listening. But the light - oh, the light had changed. No longer the dreamy gold of perpetual desire. Now it was deeper, richer, tinged with violet, like the hour between sunset and stars. The air smelled of wet blossoms and something faintly metallic, like stormlight. Even the fire pit they had left behind had grown over with thick, blooming vines, pale blue flowers pulsing faintly like they breathed.

The women moved around Jude without speaking. Sophie adjusted her wrap, securing her sleeping twins against her chest. Susan and Grace each held their children close, exchanging glances thick with unspoken truth. Rose walked ahead, her steps sure, her gaze scanning the camp as though expecting change, perhaps even challenge. Lucy came last, brushing her fingers against Jude's arm as they passed into the heart of their grove.

Everything was familiar.