On the walk back, the jungle was unnaturally quiet. Even the usual rustle of creatures watching them was absent. It felt like something had shifted, like the island had pulled its gaze inward.
Back at the orchard, the children ran to meet them, arms wide. Laurel threw herself at Jude's legs, Raven grabbing Grace's hand.
"Did the gods talk to you?" Laurel asked, serious-eyed.
Jude crouched to meet her gaze. "They did."
"Were they scary?"
"No. But they were sad. They miss the world."
Laurel nodded solemnly, then took his hand and dragged him toward the firepit. "Come eat. You're too thin now."
That night, as the stars spilled across the sky, Jude lay in the arms of his wives, one after another, feeling their warmth, their weight, their breath on his skin. Scarlet curled atop him like a jungle cat, whispering wicked thoughts that made his pulse race. Layla kissed his ribs, slow and teasing, while Rose combed her fingers through his hair, humming softly.
