Chapter 82
Nicolas POV
The roar of the river was deafening, crashing into my ears as if it were determined to drown me completely. The current seized me, thrashing my body against rocks and dragging me under again and again. My lungs screamed for air, but each time I surfaced, icy water rushed into my mouth, choking me.
Is this how it ends? I thought bitterly, my chest heaving, limbs heavy as lead. Stranded, alone... without even seeing her for the last time.
Flora's face flashed in my mind, but it wasn't her delicate, innocent smile that lingered. No-it was Viona's sharp, cutting gaze, the one that always challenged me, even when she said nothing at all.
I struggled once more, my arms clawing against the water, but the current was relentless. The river dragged me downward, blackness
