Chapter 1672

They moved as one body. The circle formed again - not in passion this time, but in devotion. The vines lifted slightly, opening like petals to receive her. Lucy lay down in the cradle, her skin glowing, her breath steady. The moss rose to cradle her body in gentle softness. She looked up at Jude, her legs parted slightly, her arms reaching for him.

Jude's knees trembled.

Zoey took his hand, led him forward.

"Make her bloom," she whispered.

He climbed into the cradle, the vines adjusting to accommodate him. The warmth between Lucy's thighs called to him like gravity, like fire. He positioned himself above her, her legs wrapping around his waist, and the others knelt around them, hands reaching in to touch Lucy's shoulders, her hips, her hair - connecting, steadying, loving.