Chapter 1689.8

The spiral pulsed once, and a set of stairs appeared within it, formed of living vines and golden bark. It didn't look solid, but it felt eternal.

Without needing to be told, they moved together. Jude first, Lucy beside him, the others falling into step behind them like a flock returning home. The climb wasn't long, but each step pressed a memory into his body - first kisses, laughter by the river, the fear of losing each other during the dreams, the ache of knowing they were alone, and the joy of realizing they were never alone again.

At the top of the spiral, the world opened.

A great platform, suspended in the air itself, hovered like a dream above the forest canopy. The stars above it weren't stars - they were watching eyes, glowing softly with approval. Around the edge of the platform, more figures began to appear - not human, not beasts, but echoes. Impressions of others who had once walked the island, lovers and wanderers, seekers and guides.