< Chapter 47
Chapter 47
Killian’s POV_
We pushed deeper into the Red Forest, the air growing colder with each step. The towering trees closed in, their thick branches creating a canopy that blocked out the moonlight. My fur bristled, Leo on high alert as we navigated through the dense underbrush. The adrenaline from the fight lingered, but I forced myself to focus. Mira was out there, and we were getting closer.
The faint scent of pine mixed with the dampness of the forest floor. Suddenly, the sound of rushing water broke the silence. I stopped, ears perked. Marcus’s wolf stepped up beside me, his sharp eyes scanning the
terrain.
A few moments later, we reached the edge of a river. It stretched wide and wild, the water churning angrily as it rushed over jagged rocks. The current was swift and unforgiving, the sound of it roaring in my ears. I shifted back into human form, my bare feet sinking into the wet earth as I stared at the water.
Marcus shifted as well, his face grim as he surveyed the scene. “This river isn’t just dangerous–it’s deadly,” he warned. “Crossing it could cost lives.”
“I know,” I said, clenching my jaw. The cold bit into my skin, but I barely noticed. My mind was spinning, searching for options. “But we don’t have a choice. Mira is on the other side, and time is running out.” Marcus hesitated, glancing at the guards who were waiting for instructions. “We can’t risk losing anyone.” “We’re not losing anyone,” I said firmly. “We’ll find a way.”
One of the guards, a younger man named Jared, spoke up. “What about those vines?” He pointed toward a cluster of trees on the riverbank. Long, thick strands of liana hung down, swaying gently in the breeze. Marcus’s eyes narrowed as he inspected them. He walked over, tugging on one of the lianas. It was sturdy, its fibrous texture strong. “These could work,” he muttered. “We could use them to swing across.”
I nodded. “Let’s do it.”
The guards sprang into action, cutting the lianas and testing their strength. Marcus tied several together, creating a makeshift rope. He glanced at me. “I’ll go first,” he said, his voice steady.
“Be careful,” I warned.
Marcus gave a curt nod before gripping the liana tightly. With a deep breath, he swung across, his body arcing gracefully over the rushing water. He landed safely on the other side, turning back to give us a thumbs–up.
“Your turn,” I told Jared.
One by one, the guards crossed, each landing safely. My heart pounded as I watched them, the roaring river a constant reminder of the danger. Finally, it was my turn.
I gripped the liana, feeling the rough texture bite into my palms. Leo growled in my mind, urging r We’ve got this.
orward.
I took a deep breath and pushed off the ground, swinging out over the river. For a moment, I felt weightless, the wind rushing past me. But just as I reached the midpoint, a sharp snap echoed through the air.
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The liana broke.
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Panic surged through me as I plummeted into the icy water. The cold hit me like a punch, stealing the breath from my lungs. The current grabbed hold of me, dragging me under. I fought to surface, kicking and thrashing against the pull of the river.
“Killian!” Marcus’s voice rang out, distant and urgent.
Leo snarled in my mind. Swim! Don’t stop!
I clawed my way up, breaking the surface with a gasp. The water was relentless, pushing me downstream. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but I forced myself to keep moving. The river’s icy fingers tugged at me, threatening to pull me under again.
On the shore, Marcus and the others were running alongside the river, shouting instructions. I could barely hear them over the roar of the water. My arms felt like lead, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.
“Hold on!” Marcus yelled.
A moment later, something splashed into the water ahead of me–a rope. Marcus had tied another liana and thrown it out. I lunged for it, my fingers scraping against the rough fibers.
Grab it! Leo urged.
I managed to wrap my hand around the liana, holding on with everything I had. The current fought to rip it away, but Marcus and the others pulled from the shore, their combined strength hauling me in.
With one final tug, I was dragged onto the riverbank, coughing and gasping for air. My body ached, every muscle trembling from the effort. Marcus knelt beside me, his face tight with concern.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I nodded weakly, trying to catch my breath. “I’m… fine.”
“You scared the hell out of us,” Jared muttered, offering me a hand.
I took it, pulling myself to my feet. The cold clung to me, but I forced myself to push it aside. We couldn’t afford to stop now. Mira needed me.
“We rest for five minutes,” Marcus announced. “Then we keep moving.”
I nodded, grateful for the brief reprieve. I sank to the ground, leaning against a tree as the others gathered around. The forest was quiet again, the river’s roar fading into the background.
Leo growled softly. We were lucky.
I know. I closed my eyes, focusing on the bond I shared with Mira. It was faint but still there, a flicker of hope
in the darkness.
After a few minutes, Marcus stood. “Time’s up. Let’s go.”
I pushed myself up, ignoring the stiffness in my limbs. We moved forward, the forest growing denser with each step. The air was colder here, a biting chill that settled into my bones.
But then, through the trees, I saw it.
A tower.
It loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette stark against the night sky. My heart leapt in my chest, a surge
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of determination flooding through me.
“We’re close,” I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.
Marcus stepped up beside me, his gaze fixed on the tower. “That’s it?”
I nodded. “That’s where she is.”
Leo growled in anticipation, his energy buzzing through me. We’ll get her back.
I clenched my fists, my resolve hardening. We have to.
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