Chapter 1061
They had found Rose.
But something had found them first.
And it wasn’t done.
As they walked, quiet fell over them like a blanket, broken only by the sound of dripping water and the hush of leaves. Jude kept one hand on Rose’s shoulder, his mind racing.
The forest whispered around them, its silence thick with questions none of them could answer. The sky above was dimming, but no one dared suggest they wait until morning. Jude walked with Rose cradled gently in his arms, her body swaying with every careful step he took. The others circled close, throwing glances behind them, watching the trees, the shadows, the spaces where the water had held something they couldn’t name. No one spoke of it now, not openly. But the fear clung to them like damp clothes, heavy and undeniable.
Susan moved beside Jude, brushing Rose’s soaked hair away from her cheek. "She’s burning up," she whispered. "And still not saying anything."
"She’s awake though," Layla added quietly. "At least she blinks. Breathes."
"She hasn’t looked at anyone," Zoey muttered from behind. "Not even once."
"She’s in shock," Emma reasoned, though her voice lacked confidence. "That fall... it could’ve broken her."
Jude didn’t say anything. His eyes stayed on the path ahead, weaving through tree roots and soft moss, feet memorizing the way back to the treehouse. Rose’s weight against his chest was constant, unnerving. Her skin was no longer cold. If anything, it felt too warm. Her breathing was shallow but steady, lips parted slightly, brow smooth. Too smooth.
It took them longer than usual to reach the clearing. By the time the houses came into view through the trees, the sky was almost black. Lights from the fire pit flickered in the windless night. Stella rushed ahead to open the main house’s door while Grace laid down blankets and towels inside. Jude walked in with Rose and gently laid her down, wrapping her tightly in layers of warmth.