Chapter 1158
She stepped back.
And the others moved forward.
The circle tightened.
Jude grabbed Sophie’s hand. Lucy and Stella closed in on Emma. The air turned heavy, thick with heat and pressure, as if the very island was holding its breath.
And then, Rose raised her hands.
And the ground split open.
The earth groaned beneath them like something ancient waking from a deep sleep. The split wasn’t violent, it was smooth, precise, a long dark line that cut through the center of the clearing like a wound. From the chasm rose steam, thick and sweet-smelling, carrying a scent that made Jude’s head reel, like wildflowers soaked in blood and honey.
Sophie clutched his hand tighter, her breath ragged. "She’s doing it. She’s opening the island."
Rose didn’t speak now. She just stared into the steam, her arms wide like she was receiving something holy. Around her, the others stepped closer to the crack in the ground. Zoey knelt beside it. Grace reached toward the vapor. Natalie inhaled deeply, shivering as though it filled her veins with fire.
Lucy shouted, "Back! Everyone back!"
But her voice sounded small, like it was being swallowed by the air.