Jude stepped into the center of them all, the women circling instinctively, drawn together like stars in orbit. Serin stood opposite him, her golden eyes watching him carefully.
"We welcome her," Jude said. "Like we welcomed each other. Like we welcomed Spira. With touch. With trust. With love."
Susan, quiet until now, let out a long breath and stepped behind Serin, brushing a hand down her back. "Then let's begin."
There was no need for command.
The circle closed.
Serin's body was kissed first by Lucy, her lips brushing the soft curve of Serin's neck. Then by Zoey, her hands trailing down the backs of Serin's thighs, her breath warm against her skin. Scarlet's mouth found her shoulder. Stella kissed the small of her back. Grace knelt to taste the inside of her knee, reverent and slow. Each touch lit Serin brighter, her skin responding like moonlight soaked in gold.