THE CURSED MOON HEIR

CHAPTER 21: THE RIVER OF ECHOES

ROSELYN’S POV

The forest awakened before we did, Golden sunlight slipped through the branches, painting shifting patterns across the ground. Birds called from somewhere high above, while a cool breeze carried the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. I stretched, wincing as the soreness in my legs reminded me of yesterday’s journey. Darius was already awake, He stood at the edge of the clearing, studying the forest beyond.

“You don’t sleep much, do you?” I asked as I rolled up my blanket.

“I sleep when I can.”

“Did you hear anything last night?”

He remained silent for a moment. “No.”

I frowned.

“But you don’t sound convinced.”

“I’m not.”

That was all he said and I sighed, slinging my small pack over my shoulder.

“You really enjoy making conversations difficult.”

“I’ve been told.”

“By Roland?”

For the first time that morning, he looked at me.

“Among others.”

A tiny smile tugged at my lips. That was probably the closest thing to humor I’d ever get from him.

“Come on,” he said.

“We have a long way to go.”

The morning passed quietly. The forest slowly changed around us, Ancient pines gave way to broad-leafed trees draped with silver vines that shimmered whenever sunlight touched them. Everything felt older As though this part of the forest had existed long before the villages of Oakridge. The silence was broken by the sound of rushing water. Moments later, the trees opened onto a wide river. Crystal-clear water flowed swiftly over smooth stones, sparkling beneath the morning sun.

I stopped in awe. “It’s beautiful.”

Darius nodded. “This is the River of Echoes.”

“The River of Echoes?”

He stepped closer to the bank. “Travelers have called it that for generations.”

“Why?”

“They say the river remembers.”

I laughed softly. “Now you’re trying to scare me.”

“I’m trying to keep you cautious.”

His expression never changed.

I wasn’t entirely sure he had meant it as a joke. The river wasn’t very wide, but the current was stronger than it looked. An old rope bridge stretched from one side to the other. Several wooden planks were missing, and the ropes creaked gently in the wind.

I looked at Darius. “You can’t be serious.”

“It’s the only crossing for miles.”

“It looks like it’ll collapse.”

“It hasn’t yet.”

“That isn’t reassuring.”

He stepped onto the bridge without another word, The old wood groaned beneath his weight. Halfway across, he looked back.

“Roselyn.”

“I know.”

I took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge, It swayed immediately and I gripped the ropes tightly.

“Don’t look down,” Darius called.

“I already did!”

“Then stop.”

Easy for him to say. The river rushed beneath my feet, its endless current making my head spin. I concentrated on each careful step, One plank… Then another. The bridge creaked loudly and I froze.

“It won’t break,” Darius said calmly.

“How do you know?”

“It would’ve done so already.”

“That makes no sense!”

His answer was lost beneath the roar of the river so I forced myself to keep moving. Just a few more steps, Almost there… Suddenly, the crystal pendant beneath my cloak grew warm, I stopped. A strange whisper drifted across the water, So faint I almost missed it.

“…remember…”

I looked around, The river continued flowing peacefully and There was no one there.

“Roselyn.” Darius’s voice sounded sharper now. “Keep moving.”

I hurried the rest of the way across, The moment my boots touched solid ground, the warmth disappeared. I pressed a hand against the pendant and It was cool again.

“You felt it.”

I looked up in surprise. “You knew?”

“I saw your expression.”

“What is this pendant?”

He stared at the flowing river for a long moment before he answered with the same frustrating honesty he always gave.

“I don’t know everything.”

It wasn’t the answer I wanted.

But somehow… I believed him.

As they disappeared into the forest beyond the river… Neither of them noticed the figure standing on the opposite bank, hidden behind the branches, watching the bridge sway gently in the wind. The stranger never attempted to cross. Instead, they bent down and picked up something lying near the riverbank.

A single silver feather. The figure studied it for a long moment before slipping it inside their cloak. Then, without making a sound… They vanished into the trees.