Chapter 1403
They collapsed together, tangled, breathless.
The others followed - some coming in pairs, some in clusters, some alone but not lonely. And when it was done, when the forest quieted again, they lay on the furs, skin against skin, hearts thundering in sync.
Jude stared up at the canopy, arms wrapped around Lucy and Rose, feeling Sophie’s breath against his ribs, Grace’s fingers laced with his own.
Twelve wives.
Twelve hearts.
And something ancient awakening inside them all.
The air had weight to it, thick with sex and dew and the remnants of sacred breath. The canopy above them filtered golden light down in gentle waves, and for a moment, it felt like the sky itself was a blanket - heavy, comforting, watching.
Jude lay still, letting the pulse of the island quiet inside him. His arms were wrapped around Lucy and Rose, their bodies soft and damp against him. Sophie’s breath was slow against his ribs, her cheek resting on his chest. Everywhere, their bodies lay entangled in the clearing: limbs over limbs, breasts pressed to backs, lips barely parted from kisses just given.
It wasn’t exhaustion that stilled them.
It was awe.
Emma stirred first. She rose to her elbows, her curls falling wild around her flushed face. Her gaze swept across the others - lingering on Layla, who was curled up against Scarlet, their bodies slick with sweat and nectar. Then her eyes found Jude, and something unreadable flickered in them.