Chapter 1135
Rose’s arms were crossed, her fingers unconsciously tapping her forearm. "It’s not just her waiting. She wants us to wait too. Maybe so, we’ll drop our guard."
"No," Sophie murmured. "She’s not hiding. She’s watching."
Emma’s voice came from behind, low and tight. "Then let’s make her wait with us. Let’s not give her a reason to move."
Jude turned slowly, his eyes scanning every one of the women, their faces, their bodies, the expressions written on their skin. There were no false smiles now. No odd glances. No corrupted desire leaking through. Just tired, fierce, real women. His women.
"We stay close today," he said. "No searches, no watcherscript hunting, no rituals. We stay in the camp. Together. If she wants us to wait, we’ll wait, but on our terms."
They returned to the fire, lighting it higher than usual. Not for warmth. For each other. The circle of stones where so many decisions had been made now became something else: a hearth, a sanctuary. The center of their bond.
Scarlet was the first to break the stillness, walking to Jude and gently pulling him down beside her. Her hair still smelled faintly of river moss and flowers, and when she kissed him, it wasn’t rushed or desperate, it was grounding.
"You kept me," she whispered.
"You came back," he whispered in return, brushing her cheek.