Chapter 1666

Rose extended her hand to Mae, who took it slowly, reverently. Lucy offered hers to Imani, and Grace stepped forward to greet Cora. The moment their hands met, the golden glow intensified. The spiral opened wider, not just physically but spiritually.

Sophie reached for Elias. "We'll walk with you."

He took her hand, grounding himself.

The two circles merged - not in chaos, not in conquest - but in communion.

That night, the sanctuary changed.

New vines grew overnight, creating space without taking away. The moss shifted to accommodate the bodies now curled within its cradle. The air thickened with warmth, not from numbers - but from resonance.

They gathered again around the spiral.

The joining would not be rushed.

Instead, they sat in pairs and trios, learning one another. Touching without taking. Speaking not of the old world, but of this one. Of dreams and light and breath and trust.