Chapter 1746

Emma stepped forward. "Why not?"

Alara looked at Jude. "Because not all are needed there. The island calls for the root. The pulse. And those who anchor it."

Rose turned to the others. "It means him."

"And us," Lucy said, not as a question, but a knowing.

Sophie stepped closer, touching Jude's arm. "We've been part of every awakening."

Alara nodded. "Three women. One man. The balance."

A pause stretched between them all.

Zoey bit her lip. "So... who goes?"

Jude turned, meeting the eyes of each of his wives. Each of them beautiful, glowing, full of love. But there was a rhythm now. A pattern that had revealed itself over the last days. Rose - the flame. Lucy - the tether. Sophie - the question.

He stepped toward them, offering a hand to each.

They took it.

No jealousy stirred. No sadness. The others stepped back, watching with pride.

Alara nodded. "Come."