Chapter 1109
They followed it deeper, until the petals gave way to moss, and the moss gave way to pale stone. At the center of a clearing, framed by two ancient trees twisted into an arch, stood a pool. Perfectly round, too still to be natural. The surface reflected nothing. It was darker than black.
Jude stepped forward, but Emma grabbed his arm. "Look."
Shapes moved beneath the surface.
Then the singing began again, softer, but closer now.
From behind the trees, they emerged.
Rose. Zoey. Layla. Grace. Lucy. Natalie. Susan.
All barefoot, robes of woven vines and sheer silk flowing around their bodies like mist. Each with that same slow smile. The same glowing eyes.
Rose stepped forward. "You came."
Sophie moved in front of Jude instinctively, but he brushed her hand. "We need to talk to them."
Rose extended a hand. "Then come closer."
Jude took a step, but not toward her. Toward the pool. "What is this place?"