Chapter 1687

They worked together, shaping the space. Not as labor, but as love. Trees grew to their requests. Stones shifted at a thought. The land responded, eager to become what they needed.

And when the sun dipped low, bathing the world in rose and violet, they built a fire that needed no flame. The logs glowed softly on their own, like the warmth came from memory.

They gathered around it, sitting close, skin brushing skin, laughter spilling easily.

Jude held Lucy in his lap, her legs draped over his. Grace leaned against his side. Zoey played with Emma's hair while Natalie hummed a tune that made the fire dance.

Rose, across from him, watched them all. Her smile was quiet. Knowing.

He met her gaze. "Are we done changing?"

She shook her head. "We've only just begun."

The fire pulsed between them, and the stars above blinked into life - slowly, like shy promises.