Back at the sanctuary, the others were already awake. Scarlet was cradled in Natalie's arms, their foreheads pressed together as they whispered. Emma and Sophie were sharpening tools beside the fire. Grace hummed a tune as she braided Susan's hair, the two of them nestled close. Zoey had already left to hunt, but her blade lay glowing where she'd rested last.
Jude and Lucy stepped into the clearing, and the entire group turned.
"You saw her again," Rose said.
He nodded.
"What did she say?" Stella asked.
"That I am the heart."
Zoey stepped out from the trees just then, dragging a large fruit-heavy vine, her skin dusted with leaves. "Then we follow the pulse."