Chapter 1007
He took the cloth from her hands, finishing the task quietly. They worked side by side in silence, hips touching occasionally, until the sound of light footsteps behind them drew their attention. Scarlet emerged from the house, still wrapped in one of Jude’s shirts, her copper-red hair tousled wildly. She smiled, kissed Jude on the shoulder as she passed, and leaned against the basin beside Susan.
"You two look like a painting," she murmured. "Serene and ancient."
Susan snorted. "You’re just saying that because you didn’t want to do laundry."
"Guilty," Scarlet grinned.
Jude stood, shaking water from his hands. "Come on. Let’s start the day together."
By the time the rest of the household stirred, the sun had warmed the orchard and the watchers’ shapes had faded slightly into the daylight. Breakfast was modest, herb porridge, boiled eggs, fig slices, and was shared sitting on woven mats beneath the glyph trees. Natalie kept Laurel and Raven entertained with dancing flame patterns, her fingers making sparks and twisting smoke into playful shapes. Layla laughed from across the circle as the children squealed. Stella leaned against Jude’s shoulder, quiet as always in the early hours, but her hand slipped around his waist, grounding him. Rose brought him water, brushed back his hair, kissed his temple.
After they ate, Emma gathered them into a loose circle, her tone thoughtful. "I think we need to go further into the forest today. Not past the border, but close. The watchers are holding back, but they’re guiding us."
"We take offerings?" asked Zoey.
"Yes," Jude said. "And names. Let’s give names again."