Chapter 921
Jude’s gaze flicked to her. "Open?"
She nodded. "Like it had a doorway. There was light, but not fire. More like stars."
He didn’t say anything for a moment. "Grace dreamed of the watchers. You dreamed of the mountain. I feel like the island’s speaking louder every night."
"Then maybe it’s time we start answering properly."
By the time the rest of the family woke, the plan had formed. Not a full expedition , just a scouting group to the edge of the forest closest to the mountain’s base, where the watchers never crossed and the air always seemed heavier. Jude would go with Grace, Emma, Zoey, and Scarlett , each of them chosen by some natural rhythm that none questioned. The others would remain in the orchard, tending to food, water, and the children. They all understood the importance of balance now , exploring meant grounding too.
Before they left, Lucy pressed a ribbon into Jude’s hand , indigo threaded with gold.
"For luck," she said, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek. "And memory."
Sophie kissed Grace’s hand. "Return before sunset."
"We will," Grace promised.
They set out through the tall grass with packs of dried fruits, nuts, water skins, ribbon, and torches. No weapons. Jude made that clear. "If we go with fire and blades, we look like invaders. That’s not who we are."
Scarlett tied her long braid in a tight knot and adjusted the straps on her pack. "If we die without weapons, you’ll feel very poetic about it, I’m sure."