Chapter 1684
Jude and his wives moved closer to the heart of the new village, drawn again to the glowing flower. They sat in a circle beneath it, their bare skin still luminous, their hair kissed by pollen and dew. No words passed for a while. Only touches. Grace tucked herself into Zoey’s side. Scarlet pulled Stella onto her lap. Susan and Natalie leaned against each other, half-drowsing. Sophie’s fingers played absentmindedly with Jude’s as she lay across his lap, eyes closed.
And then Lucy whispered, "I can feel it growing."
They all stilled.
She sat up, her face radiant, her hands sliding to her belly. "It’s so small. But it’s... singing."
Jude leaned in, pressing his lips to her stomach, closing his eyes. "I hear it too."
"Me too," came Natalie’s voice, quiet, shocked. She pressed her hand to her own stomach. "Oh my god."
Rose inhaled sharply. "It’s begun."
Scarlet touched her own body with trembling fingers. "I thought I was just... dizzy."
Emma gave a soft cry and curled forward, holding herself. "It’s not just one of us."
They reached for each other. Held one another. And beneath their palms, beneath glowing skin and sacred warmth, pulses answered.
Twelve hearts. Thirteen bodies.