Chapter 1665

It pulsed like a drumbeat, rising and rising until all of them felt it. Jude came moments after, his body convulsing, his hands buried in her hair. The moment their release merged, the moss glowed so brightly they all had to close their eyes.

And then silence.

Golden dust drifted lazily in the air, settling on skin, on hair, on lips.

Sophie lay limp against Jude's chest, her breath ragged, her mouth curled in disbelief. "I didn't know," she whispered.

"I did," Lucy said, brushing a kiss over her shoulder. "That's why we waited."

Around them, the others drew in close, bodies tangled in reverence, not chaos. Zoey kissed Sophie's temple. Natalie wrapped arms around her waist. Emma slid down beside Jude and kissed his shoulder, her lips lingering. Grace curled against Sophie's legs, and Susan gently stroked her hair.

The spiral didn't fade. It pulsed gently, steady, satisfied.

Sophie touched her chest. "I feel it."