Long Bright River Novels & Stories

Elara’s POV, Later that evening, we escape to the river. Actually, I do, because the tavern became unbearable, and he follows me, saying he’s tired of all the attention. The underground river glows softly blue beneath hanging lanterns while water rushes through stone paths beside the cliffs. It’s peaceful here, and only a handful of people come here in the evening. The boy throws a rock into the river beside me. “Do you really think we can be Adam and Eve?”

Lola's POV Morgan started driving again. We left the parking lot and headed somewhere else. I didn't ask where. I just watched the city lights disappear behind us. After about fifteen minutes, he turned onto a narrow dirt road. Trees closed in on both sides. The headlights made long shadows. Finally, I saw it. A bridge. Old stone covered in moss. A river ran underneath, black water rushing over rocks. Morgan parked and got out. I followed. "This is the border," he said, walking onto the bridge. "One side is our pack territory. The other side is the Riverside Clan."

The Great River was less a body of water and more a wound in the earth. It was black, churning, and wider than a football field, separating Onyx City’s territory from the wilder Western lands. We crouched in the reeds on the muddy bank, looking upriver. About a mile away, the only bridge spanned the gap. Floodlights illuminated it. Even from here, I could see the glint of Council Enforcer armor patrolling the span. "Bridge is a kill box," Jinx whispered, lowering her digital binoculars. "They have thermal scanners and a mage unit stationed at the midpoint. If we step foot on that concrete, we’re dust."

King Darian insisted on his decision. “War?! So you declared war on Nicundhra? Ha ... ha ... ha ...! How dare you, Darian! This time Bright River will not survive. This is the last day Bright River stands in your name. Tomorrow, when the sun rises, The Bright River has become the property of King Eric of Nicundhra.” King Eric boasted. He was confident he could take Bright River with all the power and the Dragon Army he controlled. “Stop talking and start showing your strength, Eric!”

Something told him Blade wasn't going to readily agree to their proposal, but he'd likely pretend to save face. River walked into the building he'd be staying in and had a quick look around. He hadn't seen it earlier because he'd been delivering the geranium, but it wasn't bad. He could literally hear Strand complaining as he walked into the building next door about how it wasn't very big, and the view out his bedroom window stunk. River wondered if he'd prefer a view of a live oak tree.

The surface of the river was ablaze with fiery sparks, and bright lanterns were hanging on all passing ships. From a distance, the lights on the dark water surface were like stars, each sparkling singularly. The Milky Way seemed to be suspended upside down on the earth's surface. The closer they were to the riverbank, the denser the lights. More and more people started to crowd along the bank. Quite clearly, the night markets here were busy and teeming with visitors. The sounds of singing, dancing and drumming drifted downstairs.

Bright green, yellow, faded brown and all bunch of colours made up the vegetation. "Woah" she gazed at everything in awe. Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. The scenery was picture worthy. Vast untamed nature, all around her. She looked back to Carl "This forest... It leads to Lake Creek? I'm surprised there is a cleared path to drive-" she was thrown back into her seat as the car came to an abrupt stop. "Oof! A warning would have been nice" she mumbled under her breath as her hands went to grab her hair out of her eyes. She heard a door slam and her eyes shot open. Carl got out, pulled her bag out of the trunk and yanked her door open

“Leo, I suggest you close your eyes to avoid getting blinded.” I barely had time to react as I noticed River start to glow as they had at the train station. I forced my eyes closed as tight as I could, pressing my face into River’s back. Even taking precautions, I could still see the blinding white light. I can only imagine how intense it must be without shielded eyes.

A very beautiful sight. "Why did it happen? It's my first time seeing it, like a miracle." “This river, filled with aquatic animals that can light up at night.. they cling to the rocks along the river… make this river light up at night. Beautiful right? I found this river on the second day I made camp there. And… I never tire of admiring it.” “This is indeed like a dream.”

No way was she going to him! After driving for hours, Lara stopped the car and got out. It was dark and cold and wet, just like that other day long ago, that day she couldn’t bear to remember. She straightened slight shoulders, tightened the sash on her raincoat, and lifted her head high as she crossed the parking lot.