Chapter 1053
The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting soft gold over the woven walls of the treehouse. Jude stirred as the warmth crept across his bare chest, a slow sigh escaping his lips before he opened his eyes. The scent of morning dew, bark, and the faint sweetness of ripened fruit drifted in with the breeze. Beside him, Emma was still asleep, her arm lazily draped over his waist, her breath steady and quiet. Her hair tickled his skin, and he smiled to himself, brushing a kiss against her forehead before slipping gently out from under her.
The treehouse creaked softly as he moved, careful not to wake the others. Down below, the forest was already alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. A calm morning. No screams, no sudden crashes, no heavy fog choking the air. Just peace.
He climbed down, stretching, his muscles tight and warm from sleep. He walked barefoot through the clearing, where the dew still clung to the grass. Stella and Grace were already outside. Stella was crouched beside a basket, checking through their supplies, while Grace stood a few feet away, braiding her hair with quick, practiced fingers. They looked up when they saw him, and Grace smiled, soft and slow, like the way water glides over stone.
"You’re up early," Stella said, tilting her head. Her red hair glowed in the morning light, and the shirt she wore clung just a little tighter after the wash yesterday. Jude’s eyes lingered for a second before he nodded.
"Couldn’t sleep," he murmured, stepping closer. "Emma still is. You two are heading out today?"
Grace nodded. "We were thinking of fruit. Natalie and Lucy said they’d go to the river for fish. Maybe Serena and Zoey can check the honey trees."
Jude ran a hand through his hair, considering. "Sounds good. I’ll take Layla and Rose into the west trail, see what the wind brought in."
Grace raised an eyebrow. "Feeling lucky?"
He grinned, a quiet thing. "Always."
They shared the chores easily, instinctively. No one needed to be told. Over time, they’d grown into the rhythm of the island, letting it shape them, letting each day lead them forward just enough to keep them sane. And maybe something more.
The others began to emerge slowly, yawning, stretching, the warmth of the sun on their skin waking them gently. Susan kissed his cheek when she passed him, her hand brushing down his chest with a teasing smile. Scarlet nuzzled against his shoulder as she walked by, still half asleep, her fingers curling around his for just a second. Sophie bumped into him on purpose and laughed when he caught her waist, tugging her close until she squeaked.