A River Runs Through It Novels & Stories

“Or maybe I’ve just stopped running from what I am.” The path narrowed as we moved deeper into the woods. The mist thickened. Even the birds stopped singing. After a while, we reached a dark clearing. Before us stretched a wide river, the River of Shadows. Its surface was black, smooth, and eerily still. No ripples. No wind. Just silence. Hardin squinted. “Doesn’t look like normal water.” “It’s not,” Lotus said through my mind. Her voice was steady. “Be careful, Jade. This river feeds on emotion. Fear makes it stronger.”

Her life depends on her escape! After racing through the dense undergrowth, she arrives at a clearing where a vast river flows. Without a moment's hesitation, she plunges into the water—it is her only route to freedom. Unversed in swimming, she clings desperately to a log that materialises in the tumultuous current. The voices of her pursuers echo in the distance; she propels herself with her feet, the current sweeping her along with formidable speed.

There was no one to blame but him. _________ Day 2 River woke up early that morning. She had cried almost the entire night. Her heart was still freshly wounded. She wanted to call Erica, but she never memorized her number, only her Father’s, and for important reasons. Hours passed. She stopped for gas and food and kept riding. She was in Nebraska, close to getting to the South Dakota state line. It was all beautiful. Except for the cornfields. She realized she would never want to see another corn field in a long time.

Pushing me down the route it wants me to take. Jim was panting and his lungs were beginning to burn. He wasn’t in the best shape and the running was taking its toll. Halfway down the new path he saw the grave. He recognised it instantly. The gravestone was unique; Jim knew every inch of it intimately. The moment he saw it he knew why the thing in the ground had guided him here.

While Mother tried to stop him in terror, he slammed his head against the pillar. Blood sprayed across Mother's face. She stared at Father and me, both fallen in a pool of blood, in a daze. Then she broke down with a scream.

So we left the high school and drove through the city until we got to a more secluded area and Wesley pulled up next to a crystal clear river that ran through the city. “This is amazing.” I said, getting out of the truck. “I knew you’d like it.” He said. Wesley walked to the back of his truck and let the tailgate down and we sat on it, watching over the river. “How is it so clean?” I asked. “No boats, no fishing, no swimming, no pollution. The Alpha’s are all in agreement that this river stays exactly like this. And they have people patrolling the water all the time to make sure that no one is breaking the rules.” Wesley said.

I stumbled, trying to pull away, but then— "Whoa…" I whispered in shock. Last night, I hadn’t been able to see anything. It had been too dark, the only sound was rushing water. But now, in daylight, I finally saw it— A massive river, winding through the valley like a giant silver serpent. The water was so clear, it reflected the soft golden sunlight. Beyond it, mountains rose high into the sky, their peaks veiled in a thin mist. Tall trees framed the entire view, making the place look wild and untouched.

In the distance, in a corner of the parking lot, Cassadee was shoved into an old sedan by two security guards. Under the streetlights, a row of words on a faded, mud-stained bumper sticker was faintly legible. "One team. One mission. Together, through life and death." I turned my gaze away and never looked back again.

But I liked that proximity and how he didn’t let such an important moment for us turn awkward because of our wolves’ desperation. “Ria means river. River that keeps flowing no matter what’s in front of it. It overcomes every obstacle. If a path is blocked, it carves an alternative path. If there’s a boulder in front of it, it smashes through it or just gently passes by. It always carries destructive power, but still nurtures life by giving its everything. River keeps flowing. It keeps crossing all limits, all barriers to unite with the sea that is its destiny. I will keep flowing too until I meet my destiny. I promise…”

I could only breathe in shallow gasps. "I have a daughter, and she needs me. Now." Saying the words aloud gave me life. I stood up, my ankle held, and I ran. There it was, the river. Oh god, it was worse than I expected. Almost over the banks, muddy and frothing like a mad dog, the entire length was a rapid now. But where was she? Oh shit there she was, coming down the path, a small blur. So small. The river would crush her against the rocks. When they pulled her out she wouldn't even be recognizable. The only mercy is that it would kill her swiftly.