Chapter 147
Chapter 147
~LANA~
Marianna’s shoulders slumped as she released a weary sigh, “I truly wish there were some kind of clear warning sign–something to prevent people froes making the mistake of rejecting their mates after being joined by the river. So many individuals, don’t comprehend the drastic consequences of turning away from someone who was destined for them, someone found through the sacred river’s guiding waters.”
Isabella looks at me, her eyes filled with fear. She knows, just as I do, that the situation isn’t looking good.
“Experiencing the blessings of the river is indeed magical,” she begins, gesturing for us to take a seat beside her. “But with every blessing, there’s often a dark side lurking nearby. This mystic river is no exception.”
I sit down reluctantly in one of the chairs. “Please, tell me everything. Ever since I rejected my mate, he hasn’t woken up. He fell unconscious, and nothing everyone’s done to try and wake him up seems to have helped him.”
She nods knowingly, clearly not surprised. She anticipated this outcome following my story since the start. She knew something and whatever it was that she knew, I was scared to find out about it.
“There are stories of males and females who have died after being rejected by their mates,” she states flatly. “And this has only happened to couples joined by this river.”
All the color fades from my face at her words, leaving me feeling as if I’ve been struck by a sudden wave of nausea.
My heart races uncontrollably, pounding against my ribcage like a hysterical drum, as the weight of her words sinks in.
This is the most alarming news I could have possibly received today, I never once would have thought something like this was even possible. I had braced myself for horrible news, but this – this is far worse than I ever anticipated.
“Has anyone ever survived?” I ask, urgency creeping into my voice.
“Only if they can drink the river’s water in time,” she replies.
I frown in confusion. “Water from Havenville’s river?”
She nods solemnly. “If he’s still alive and breathing, there’s hope. The water is the cure–the only thing that can save him. When did you reject him?”
“Three days ago,” I answer, a cold fear spreading through me, making it hard to breathe.
“You don’t have much time,” she warns. “If you want to save him, you need to reach the river, fill a bottle with its water, and bring it back to him. Time is running out.”
“But the river’s currently off–limits to the public,” I point out. “How can I get access if no one is allowed there right now?”
“Havenville makes exceptions for circumstances like this,” she replies. “As I’ve mentioned, this isn’t the first time something like this has occurred. The officials who stand to benefit the most from the river choose to keep this specific risk under wraps. They know it will impact how many people come looking for their mates. If people stop coming, they will run out of business. These days, everything seems to be about money.”
She was right; I had never heard of anything like this before. Not a single person had ever brought it up. I’ve read so many books about Havenville and not a single one ever spoke about the risks of rejecting your mate.
“That’s insane.” Isabella gasps. “I can’t believe people are dying because they’re unaware of this rule. They should inform everyone and let them decide if they’re willing to take the risk. It is unfair to keep so many people in the dark.”
She nods, admitting, “We’re not supposed to share this information. If they find out I told you, I could get into serious trouble.”
“Oh no,” I whisper, “I don’t want you to be in danger. You’ve been so kind to us. In fact, you are one of the only few who have shown he such kindness. The locals in town didn’t even want to speak with us.”
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11:16 Tue, 26 Aug 60
Chapter 147
She smiles gently. “Don’t worry about me. I can sense a kind heart when i see one. You and your cluber die pure. You deserve to ta happy.” She regio “and I am aware that the town people can be a little mean to visitors. But, if you come here afton, they might open up to juli summaalt. They kind people once you get to know them better.”
I reach out to hug her despite barely knowing her. “Thank you so much. It means so much to me that you told us this.”
If we hadn’t come here to learn more about the river, we might have lost Apollo for good. Just
thinking about that sends a dh doan
She pats my back softly. “As I said, time is running out. You need to head back into town and find the building marked Havenyte hucutives Tell them you rejected your mate and that you are aware that the only way to save him is by giving him the river’s water to drink. They’ll take you there to keep yo quiet. But be aware, you’ll have to sign a form. They take things very seriously around here.”
I could hardly believe this was happening. If I had known that rejecting Apollo would be just as dangerous as allowing the kidnappers to harm him, would never have made that choice.
“Your mate would have gone through a lot of pain,” Marianna tells me. “The heartache involved in rejection can feel like fire coursing through yet and He might not be the same when he wakes up. Don’t be disheartened if he doesn’t want to see you at first. He’ll need time to heat, both emotionally physically.”
Hearing this cuts me deep. After everything we’ve endured, all I want is to throw myself into his arms and feel his warm embrace. The thought of Apollo pushing me away the moment he opens his eyes fills me with worry. I miss him dearly. However, nothing is more important to me than keeping hun a
“Thank you for everything,” Isabella says to Marianna as we prepare to leave. “We’ll always remember your kindness. If you ever need our help with anything, here’s my number. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
As we take a final glance back, we wave farewell, the cool breeze tousling our long hair. Slowly, we begin retracing our steps along the winding path had just traveled. Each step brings a mix of anxiety and uncertainty as we make our way back to the town.
“Can you believe this madness?” Isabella asks, frustration in her voice. “It’s outrageous that so many couples don’t even realize their mates they reject them. People deserve to know about this!”
She’s absolutely right. I’m shocked that no one has spoken out about this before. Were they silenced by the authorities in Havenville?
“I wish I had known something this important,” I say. “If I had, I never would have rejected Apollo.”
Isabella glances at me with sympathy. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Lana. It’s just ridiculous. I’m going to give those officials a piece of my mind when I see them. It’s a shame for all those mates who’ve suffered because of their greed.”
I share her sorrow for the victims. It feels deeply unfair to everyone who has had a similar experience with their mate.
“Do you think we’ll make it back to Apollo in time?” I ask my sister, my heart aching at the thought of not reaching him soon enough.
“I’m sure we will,” she reassures me, squeezing my hand. “We have to; Apollo’s life depends on it.”
AD
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