Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

Chapter 222: Crossing the River

Eleanor and Maíra set off once their strength had returned. No goblins or any other monsters disturbed them during their meditation, nor along the quiet march towards the water source.

Yet when they finally arrived, disappointment struck them both.

"This isn’t a river," Maíra said flatly. She pointed towards a distant cascade. "The water’s just coming down from that waterfall and spreading across the land. Should we cross the stream and check the other side?"

Eleanor paused, studying the flow. "No. We follow the water. I think this trickle distracted us. If we stay with it, it should lead us to the river."

They pressed on, following the narrow stream. Luck remained with them... not a single monster barred their way.

After a long walk, they reached a true river at last. Its waters moved with calm persistence, not a raging torrent but a steady, single-direction flow. It was vast, easily a kilometre wide to the naked eye, its surface clear as crystal. No mud, no silt, nothing to obscure the gentle ripples.

Peering into its depths, Eleanor saw schools of small fish drifting lazily, their bodies glinting in many colours. Beautiful, and seemed harmless.

In the distance, a cluster of green-robed cadets caught her eye. Without hesitation, she steered towards them to gather some information.

"Eleanor!" a voice rang out. Kiara rushed forward, face alight with relief. "Thank the goddess you’re here!"

Her shout drew the attention of the others, among whom was Jaciara Moara. The moment she saw Maíra at Eleanor’s side, she hurried over.

"Miss, are you alright?" Jaciara asked anxiously.

"I’m fine. Nothing happened," Maíra replied as though the earlier battle had been nothing more than a stroll.

From their gathering, Eleanor learned the situation. Dragons, Fairies, and Banshees had already crossed by flying. Those left behind were hesitant... swimming had proven fatal. Several cadets who had attempted it were ambushed by river monsters and eliminated. Now the rest lingered on the shore, debating strategies.

"You’re from the Amazon Clan," Eleanor said to Jaciara. "Do you have the ability to use water or ice?"

"I do, Miss Raynor. But if I use my ability to build a path for us, I’ll be defenceless. My control isn’t strong enough to fight and maintain it at the same time."

"Don’t worry about fighting. Your task is to make the road. We’ll circle around you and keep you safe," Eleanor assured her.

Before Jaciara could reply, movement drew their attention. A vampire sprinted across the river’s surface, feet skimming the water with unnatural speed. Crocodile-like monsters erupted from below, lunging with snapping jaws... but the vampire’s swiftness and erratic trajectory outpaced them. The ambushes continued until he vanished onto the opposite shore.

beat them," Eleanor observed coolly. "They’re slow, but there are many of them. If we go in as a single group, we’ll attract the full swarm. But if every cadet here enters together,

we can fight. I can also use water to shape a path. Those things don’t look

gives them a clear advantage. If we waste

do we do?"

replied firmly. "The more cadets who enter the river, the more the monsters’ attention will

frowned. "Has anyone seen Ophelia?

"I saw her at the beginning, when only a few cadets had gathered. But then... she vanished. I

crossed already. If she used someone’s shadow, no one

said aloud. "I trust

the waiting group. Humans, werewolves, vampires, kitsune, and werehyenas were all arguing, trying to persuade nagas

kept her small circle apart from the chaos. Their

cadet number? I want

without asking. But she wanted Kiara to understand what was happening. Kiara gave her number aloud, and after a flicker

up. "Please, let me

Eleanor said. "That makes four of us. Jaciara will be responsible for creating the path. The rest of us will defend you. Whatever happens, you must not stop

exactly do

platform beneath us," Jaciara explained. "It should slide forward across the river. But if a strong

in a reassuring smile. "Then slide fast when the time, and don’t look back.

young man approached, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Erm... hello. I’m Joshua Cordillera, from the Cordillera Clan of Philippines. I noticed you’re not relying on the naga or

a sheepish grin. "I’ve some ability with water, though my control is poor. But I can fight. If you’ll have me... as a fellow

larger group? And

a real threat appears, they’ll scatter.

it in her reports. Joshua Cordillera is a reputed sword master, though no blade hung at his waist now. Still, he

any of us?"

admitted. "Miss Raynor... Eleanor Raynor, the one everyone talks about. I don’t know

said. "This is a real team. We share our points. If you want

gave it without hesitation, and in a flash he too was

Eleanor in the vanguard, Kiara guarding the rear, Joshua and Maíra covering the flanks, while Jaciara concentrated solely on

Maíra cried out, "Oh no! I’ve

exclamation and quietly summoned her

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