-LANA-
“I can hardly believe you managed to talk me into this,” I say to my sister, a mix of disbelief and resignation coloring my voice. She seemed convinced that this was the solution to our problem. I had no other choice but to go along with her plan especially since her suggestions have helped me a lot in the past.
We had finally returned to Havenville, the little town nestled between the scenic hills and deep forests, where the air is thick with stories and secrets that only the townfolks know.
As we make our way into one of the coffee houses, I can hear the little gossips that seem to go on endlessly about the legendary mystic cloud river that winds its way through the landscape.
My sister squeezes my hand as she tries to eavesdrop on some of the conversations, hoping that someone might be able to help. Even though all of the groups were talking about the river to some extent, no one had mentioned anything about rejecting your mate.
“Excuse me?” Isabella turns to a girl around our age, who has long blonde hair tied up with a red ribbon. “Can we ask you something?”
The girl glares at us as if we’re disturbing her and makes it clear we’re the last people she wants to talk to right now. “I’m busy.”
Isabella turns to me, her eyes wide with disbelief at such rudeness. Why did I think the people here would be more welcoming? They seemed much friendlier the last time I attended the mating ceremony.
As my sister attempts to approach her for a second time, I quickly grab her hand and pull her away. I wanted to avoid any unnecessary arguments with a stranger. The sooner we uncovered what we came for, the sooner I could help Apollo.
“I don’t think anyone here seems particularly friendly,” I confess. “It doesn’t look like they want to
talk to us.”
She rolls her eyes, responding, “Well, you didn’t really give me a chance to chat with that rude girl back there.”
I sigh and pull her out of the coffee house, “Let’s just look somewhere else:”
Stepping back onto the main street, we found ourselves surrounded by vendors selling fresh fruit along the roadside. It felt as if everyone was eyeing us, silently suggesting that we didn’t quite fit in here.
Isabella leans in closer to me and whispers, “How can we figure out which of these people would be willing to help us?” Her voice was barely audible amidst the bustling crowd.
As I glanced around, I felt the weight of curious stares boring into us; we stood out starkly against the backdrop of the community. The locals moved confidently, their attire a blend of bright, warm tones and sunflower dresses. They exchanged quick, friendly nods with each other, while we fumbled awkwardly hoping to find someone friendly and willing enough to speak with us.
I imagined they were curious about our arrival, especially since the Mystic Cloud River wasn’t open to outsiders at the moment.
“I would say that all the people looking at us like we are crazy and don’t belong are definitely the ones to avoid.” I say to my sister as I turn towards her, “are you sure coming here was a good idea? I might be having second thoughts.”
If no one was willing to help us, I didn’t see the point in us wasting our time.
“Are you insane?” Isabella demands. “We only tried speaking to one person, we can’t give up
now.”
“Are you sure? Look at how they’re staring at us, Isabella.” I point out while hoping no one could hear me.
My sister rolls her eyes. “You’re being ridiculous. They’re just curious that we’re here when the Mystic River is closed to the public.”
I nod and let her lead me through a park where children played while their guardians looked on.
12:09 Mon, 25 AUD UU
Chapter 146
It was a peaceful and calming spot, perfect for losing oneself in a swoonworthy romance novel.
I don’t think they look friendly either,” my sister continues. “They are looking at us like we’re here to steal their children.”
Given that the river was their main attraction and we seemed to be the only visitors around, I could understand their concern about our presence.
“Let’s keep moving.” I propose. “You made a good point earlier; we need to stay on the lookout. Surely, there’s at least one person out there who won’t see us as outsiders.”
After strolling down a winding path for approximately fifteen minutes, we find ourselves entering a smaller village, quite different from the bustling town we left behind. Almost immediately, I notice a warm and welcoming atmosphere; the locals exchange friendly smiles and greet us with cheerful waves.
with hope. Each moment without Apollo was like gasping for air; I was desperate for
Ifet a deep sense of gratitude for the warmth, which led with answers, and I needed them quickly.
“Who do you think we should try talking to here?“,
She taps her chin thoughtfully before saying, “How about that middle–aged lady taking care of the roses?” She says aa we spot a flower shop nearby. “Women like her always seem to know what’s happening in town.”
I frown. “And how do you know that?”
She sighs and grabs my hand, dragging me along. “Come on,
stop asking
so many questions and let’s see if she can help us.”
As we make our way across the sunlit street, she gazes up at us with wide, inquisitive eyes that seem to sparkle in the sunlight. Her small hands, smeared with a mix of dust and soil from gardening, are hastily wiped on the faded green fabric of her apron. A warm smile spreads across her face, making her even easier to approach.
“Good afternoon,” I greet her.
“Good afternoon dear,” she greets me before turning to my sister. “What brings you two beautiful girls to Havenville?”
“Could you please share your name with us first?” Isabella asks gently, her tone warm and inviting. We had to be extra kind if we wanted her to help us. “We’d like to get to know you before we dive into a storm of questions.”
“Marianna,” she responds, a hint of interest in her voice. “And may I know your names?”
“I’m Isabella,” my sister replies with a friendly smile. “And this is my sister, Lana. We traveled all the way here to Havenville, hoping you might have some wisdom about a few pressing questions we’ve been wrestling with.”
Upon hearing this, Marianna’s gaze sharpens with intrigue, her eyes sparkling with uncertainty. “Ah, I’m guessing your inquiries revolve around the mystical river, am I right?”
I nod earnestly, the gravity of our desperate situation settling in. “Yes, that’s correct. The matters we seek clarity on are quite important. I wouldn’t take up your time otherwise.”
With a warm smile breaking across her face, Marianna replies, “Well, I’m here to assist you in any way I can.” Her welcoming demeanor gives us a glimmer of hope that we might uncover the truth.
“Should I start or do you want to tell her?” my sister inquires.
I take a deep breath, not sure if I was ready to tell this story again. I was already in a lot of emotional distress.
“You start.” I tell her.
Isabella nods and continues, “my sister found her mate through the Mystic Cloud River during this year’s festival.”
The woman’s face lit up. “Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m thrilled for you and your partner. Being connected by Havenville’s river is such a blessing. We have so many beautiful stories around here from couples who were blessed by the river. They’re all happily married by now.”
9/2
MON, 20 Aug
Chapter 146
Gjust wished the rest of my family felt the same excitement about us.
“Finding Apollo has truly added purpose to my life,” I confess. “But it hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges.”
She nods, her understanding evident. “Well, sweetheart, love isn’t always a walk in the park. You really have to fight for what you desire?
Isabella cuts in once more, “while the two of them clearly wish to be together, certain circumstances forced my sister to reject hire recently”
The woman inhales sharply, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You rejected your mate? What on earth possessed you to do something like that?”
I felt immediate guilt from her questions. I didn’t need a reminder about my failure to protect my step–brother.
Isabella’s expression turns glum as she begins to reply, her voice low and heavy. “It’s a complicated story, really. She didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Believe me, if Lana had another option, she would have taken it. Since we are pressed for time, we can’t give the whole story.
Marianna, settles into a nearby plastic white chair, a weight of concern on her face. “This is not good,” she says, her tone serious. “There is something that you must know.”
I caught Isabella’s gaze, and the unspoken strain that passed between us was noticeable. The tension around us seemed to intensify as I felt the weight of Marianna’s concerned expression looming over our conversation.
I couldn’t shake the nervousness that bubbled up inside me as I pressed my palms firmly against my jeans, anticipating her explanation with uncontrollable anxiety.
“What do you need to tell me?” I ask desperately, my voice rising in urgency. “What happens when someone rejects their mate?”
E
AD
No Ads
