Stuck in an Island with Twelve Beautiful Women

He looked at them all. "A future. One we’d have to build. Together."

Susan stepped closer. "Are we ready for that?"

"I don’t know," Jude said. "But I think the island is."

They stood in silence.

Then Emma reached down and pulled her wrap over her head, baring herself to the light. She stepped into the center of the circle, lay down on the moss, and spread her arms.

"I want to feel it," she whispered.

The golden light pulsed again.

Jude knelt beside her, brushing hair from her face. "You’re sure?"

She nodded. "Let the island know me. All of me."

Zoey joined her, then Grace, then Stella.

They formed a circle with their bodies, heads inward, limbs brushing, skin glowing.