Thirty-Three
The final river feels like ice against my burning skin. I rise to the surface, gasping against the cold as well as for air. As the rippling waves around me subside, I notice the water glowing faintly. Blue gems stud the rough cave walls, glinting with wintry beauty, and between them, patterns and pictures have been carved into the stone.
“Calla!” I look around and see Chase behind me. The current, stronger in this river than in the others, is already pulling me along. He joins it, swimming with quick, strong strokes toward me. I reach out for him as the current drags me along. I don’t know why, but I feel a need for physical contact with him in the same way I need air. A clasped hand, linked arms, an embrace, anything. Something feels incomplete without his touch. He catches
