All around the glade, the others drew closer. Lucy's skin was still damp with sweat, her eyes glazed with affection and hunger. Sophie and Emma stood beside each other now, hands twined, breaths slowing from the rhythm they'd shared. Natalie stepped barefoot from the water, droplets gliding over the curves of her hips, her mouth parted in reverence. Zoey curled against Jude's side, one hand resting just over his heart, where the island's pulse now echoed.
Layla began to hum again, low and steady. The sound resonated in Jude's chest. It wasn't a song now - it was a signal.
One by one, they joined it.
A vibration in the throat, in the air, in the earth.
