Chapter 1748
The sanctuary pulsed.
Every climax sent golden light into the air. Every cry echoed in harmony. Jude lost count of the hours. The sky above never shifted, the stars always swirling, always reflecting their union back upon them.
Eventually, he lay flat again, breath gone, body vibrating. The women draped around him like silken shadows, their skin dewed and glowing. Lucy lay with her cheek against his chest, eyes closed. Rose spooned Sophie, arms wrapped around her waist. Scarlet sat cross-legged at Jude's head, humming low and hypnotic. Grace kissed Stella lazily between sighs, while Zoey ran her fingers through Natalie's hair as she curled into sleep.
Jude could hardly move.
He didn't want to.
And then a new sound stirred.
A soft, melodic pulse. Like wind through strings.
Everyone opened their eyes.
The sanctuary walls rippled, and the heartstone appeared again - this time glowing not golden, but deep crimson. The color of fresh blood, of desire, of birth.
Alara's voice returned, not aloud, but in all their minds at once.
"The rhythm is yours now. The island sleeps again, but your bodies remember. So will your children."
The words hit them like thunder wrapped in silk.