Natalie crossed her arms. "And what does it want?"
"I don't know yet. But I think it's what the gods feared. It might be older than them."
That caused a murmur. Layla reached for Serena's hand. Grace moved to stand beside Jude, as if by instinct.
"What should we do?" Zoey asked.
He looked at each of them in turn. "We prepare. Today, I want three groups. One with me. One to reinforce the orchard's protections. And one to go north toward the spiral grove. The tree appeared yesterday. Something might grow again."
They didn't question the orders. They never did when he took this tone. Susan, Rose, and Lucy joined him. They would walk with him into the heart of the jungle, past the burnt-clearings and into the old ravine. Grace led the defense group, Stella, Scarlet, Sophie, and Natalie, with Laurel and Raven staying close. Serena, Zoey, Layla, and Emma would scout the northern woods.
They split before midday.
