Chapter 1670

Jude stepped onto it, and the roots wrapped gently around his legs, not trapping - cradling. The staff slid from his hand and floated in front of him. Then, without command, the chamber filled with warmth. With scent. With light.

One by one, the women came forward.

Not with seduction. With intention.

Lucy knelt at his feet, her fingers undoing the wrap around her hips. "Let us anchor you."

Sophie kissed his thigh, slow and worshipful. "Let us keep you."

Rose climbed onto his lap, straddling him, her breasts pressed to his chest. "Let us become you."

Zoey, Grace, Stella, Susan, Emma, Scarlet, Natalie, Delilah, Mae, Imani - they all circled, slowly removing what little remained between them and the moment. Their bodies gleamed with sweat and purpose. They were goddesses now. No longer followers of the spiral, but its source.