A River Runs Through It Novels & Stories

He led me through some caves, only stopping by a riverbank. "Listen Jasmine, they're most likely trailing us right now, if you cross through this river, your scent would wash off for a while, I want you to run okay? Run as fast as you can and don't look back. You'll meet someone at the other side with a backpack filled with your essentials a..."

But it was almost six by then and he had made me laugh until my stomach hurt, and the truth came out before I could dress it up. “There’s a river.” “A river...” “East of the old oaks. Past the willows.” There was a pause but not a long one. “I know the stretch,” he said. “I walked it once, years ago. The water runs so clear you can count the stones.” “You’ve been there?” “Once. It’s hard to forget.” “Nobody ever knows it,” I said. “People think it’s just a creek.” “What is it to you?”

progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> The creek runs through the territory the way it has always run. Not the same water — the creek is not the same water from one moment to the next, the water is always moving, always being replaced by the water coming down from the ridge. But the creek is the same creek. The stones are the same stones, worn smoother each decade, the specific grey-brown of stones that have been running water over them for longer than anyone has been counting.

Every frame told a story, a testament to the breathtaking beauty that surrounded them. As the boat glided along the river, Sonia's voice wove a tapestry of knowledge, enriching their experience with fascinating insights about the River Gandak's vital role in the reserve's delicate ecosystem. She spoke of the countless creatures that depended on its life-giving waters, from the majestic tigers that roamed the forests to the vibrant birdlife that filled the air with their melodies. The river, she explained, was not merely a geographical feature but a lifeline that sustained the region's rich biodiversity.

No hum. No spike. No quiet dread. Just options moving. Always moving. Without asking. Without command. Without centrality. The river did not collapse when it split. It branched. Adjusted. Met obstacles. Carved around them. That was the image that remained. Not throne. Not crown. Not network. River. And we were no longer trying to hold it. We were walking beside it. Watching for rocks. Helping clear debris when needed. Letting it move when it could.

My heart immediately dropped to the floor. The sight before me was nothing short of terrifying. An angry torrent of water churned angrily between jagged rocks, the current moving so fast it blurred. Sharp stones jutted from beneath the surface, and the air was thick with the scent of what was about to happen. The older people call it “The River of Souls.” It takes more than your body—it takes a piece of your soul, the elders would say and now I see why.

Suddenly, they emerged from the trees, and a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. A crystal-clear river flowed effortlessly, its surface reflecting the sky above. The water cascaded over smooth rocks, creating a soothing melody. "Wow," Tristan breathed. "This is stunning." Lucien nodded, his eyes shining with pride. "Welcome to the River's Edge, the lifeblood of Dominion Pack. We're close now." Tristan walked towards the river's edge, feeling the cool mist on his skin. "I can see why this place is special. It's like a sanctuary."

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.

“I’m serious… “I really want to start over with you… “Give me another chance, okay?” She held me tightly, as if afraid I might disappear. I stood there, silent for a moment. Then, I gently pried her hands away. “Claudia, it’s been seven years. “My love’s run out.” I turned around to look at her. Her face was covered in tears. I didn’t linger and turned to walk away. Behind me, Claudia’s sobs echoed through the room. But I never looked back. Just like arrows, once released, they could never return to the bow.

In fact, I feel warm, but not on fire like I should. “Outside the gates of Hell’s city burn all those who flee and do not belong.” My academy teachers’ words come back to haunt me as I keep running and come to a large river made of clear, crimson water. Sharp rocks sit at the bottom, and a few strange fish swim around them. Let’s hope none of them bite. The current of the river flows fast, and I don’t see a bridge in sight or anywhere I can cross. We’ll have to swim.