Chapter 877 - 879
Later, he went with Serena and Amelia to check the southern traplines, the ones closer to the shallow cliffs near the coast. The ocean roared below, foaming waves crashing against rock with rhythmic violence. The traps had caught three fish, small but edible, and a large crab Jude would need to cook soon before the meat spoiled. They worked with quiet efficiency, but even that had a layer of unease.
Amelia spoke first. "Do you think we’re marked?"
Jude looked up. "Marked how?"
"Like... chosen. The island picked us. Or it made us stay. What if there were others before us? What if it didn’t let them leave either?"
Serena shook her head. "We would’ve found signs. Graves. Campsites. Remains."
"Would we?" Amelia asked, tying the crab’s legs. "What if it ate them?"
Jude didn’t like the silence that followed that question. It was a silence full of possibility.
On the walk back, they passed a tree that was bent at an unnatural angle, bark split like something clawed it open. Jude touched the trunk. It wasn’t new. Whatever did it had done it weeks ago. Maybe months. But the wound in the tree pulsed faintly beneath his palm, like something inside still remembered the pain.
That night, the campfire felt colder. Even though the flames burned strong, they radiated no warmth. Everyone sat close, shoulders brushing, knees folded, plates in their laps. Conversation was minimal. Laughter had disappeared. Only the sound of chewing, the occasional cough or shift of posture, and the ever-present crackle of the fire filled the space.
Jude watched each of them. The smallest gestures stood out now, Grace glancing over her shoulder every few minutes. Lucy pressing her fingers into her thigh as if to ground herself. Susan biting her lip so hard it turned white. Natalie didn’t touch her food at all.
When the meal was done and plates were stacked, Jude leaned forward.