Chapter 1072
Jude hated the plan, but he saw no better alternative.
That day, they stayed close to the others. Rose acted no differently, her beauty so effortless, her charm like sunlight on skin. She danced when they cooked, pressed herself against Jude as he carved the bark for firewood, whispered teasing things in his ear when no one was looking. She kissed Layla in full view of everyone, laughing as Layla pinned her against the tree and bit her lip. Zoey watched with open hunger in her eyes, joined them seconds later, and none of the others even blinked.
Emma giggled. Stella rolled her eyes with a smile. Natalie laughed and turned away.
Even Sophie forced a smile.
It was happening right in front of them, and no one could see it.
Later, as the sun rose higher, Susan sat near the edge of the stream with Grace, braiding her hair. The two of them whispered, their heads close. Jude watched as Susan ran her fingers over Grace’s bare shoulder, tracing patterns that made Grace close her eyes and tilt her head like she was soaking in sunshine. Jude wanted to yell at her, to shake her, to scream, but he didn’t. Not yet. They had to be sure.
"Tonight," Sophie whispered, her voice close to his ear. "We follow them again. All of them."
He nodded.
The day passed slow and strange. The air felt too warm, like it carried heat from somewhere deeper than the sun. The food tasted sweet but metallic. Every laugh, every kiss, every soft moan drifting from the houses made Jude’s skin prickle. It was like watching a play that used to be real, now just masks and lines repeated without meaning.
That night, just as the fire began to dim and the others drifted off to their rooms in pairs and trios, Jude and Sophie moved toward the forest. The air buzzed with something unsaid. He could feel it on his tongue, like words forming without breath.
They didn’t have to wait long.