Jude felt it then, a thought. Not in words, but in sense. You are seen.
A tear slipped down Sophie's cheek.
The watcher faded, not retreating but blending. One by one, the others did too. The mist lingered.
They stood in silence for long minutes before dispersing. Most returned to the hearth. But Jude and Grace stayed behind.
She looked up at him, her eyes bright, face flushed with something between awe and tenderness. "That was communion."
He nodded. "Something sacred."
She moved closer, fingertips trailing along his arm. "Do you feel it? The island breathing with us now?"
"I feel you," he murmured, brushing hair from her cheek. "And it makes everything brighter."
She leaned up and kissed him. Not hurried. Not overwhelmed. Just sure. Her arms wrapped around his neck as his hand slid along her waist. They kissed again, deeper, until the orchard vanished behind them and the pulse of the island faded into the thrum between their ribs.
