Layla stretched, the fabric of her wrap slipping off one shoulder. "It was showing us *us.* Over and over again. Past lives, maybe. Or dreams made real."
"We've shaped this island," Rose murmured. "With our desires. Our choices. Our love."
"And our lust," Zoey added with a wink. "Don't forget that part."
Grace raised a brow. "Do you ever *not* flirt, Zo?"
"Wouldn't dream of it," Zoey grinned, then leaned up to kiss Grace softly.
Jude stood, reaching for his pants but hesitating before putting them on. "We should be ready for anything. That chamber… it changed us. I don't think we're just exploring anymore."
Natalie stood as well, brushing leaves from her thighs. "We're unlocking something. In ourselves, in the island. Maybe in Sol."
As if hearing his name, the boy stirred. He blinked, stretching like a cat, then sat up and smiled at them, wide-eyed and innocent—and somehow, not.
"We can go back," he said, without being asked. "But not through the pool."
