Howls in the background urge Clara to push forward. Although the summer air was warm, the river’s deep waters would be horrendously cold. Eyes darting in the darkness behind her, the horn sounds again, jolting Clara into action. There was no time to plan the route across the rocks. Stepping to any rock her bare feet could reach, the water splashes at her ankles. A howl deep and primal shocks Clara, but it is River’s attention that’s taken. She paces excessively, panting harder. It was one of her mate’s calls. Clara’s foot slips on the wet surface of the rock. Plunging her into the freezing water. Gasping for air, she fights for her life, attempting to keep her torso out of the water. The end of the river is only steps away, hoisting herself onto a larger boulder, she steadies her feet and
