River: The Beginning of the End, #1

By Ryen Lesli

Does she have a secret life? One even she doesn't know about?

Ever since seventeen-year old River can remember, she's always had the real sense that she is in the wrong place. Because of this, she battles a constant restlessness that consumes her. Running is the only thing that helps.

Another reason she knows she's wrong?

She can see the light around a person. Everyone gives off energy and somehow, River can see a bit of it. She knows when someone's good or bad. She just doesn't know what a blurry light means, like the light around the creepy new kid, Wicked.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jason Stokes
• Release date: Sep 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781951535995

Book preview

Table of Contents

River

What is bound

Chapter One - Run

Chapter Two - Mom

Chapter Three - Drowning

Chapter Four - The Boy with the Emerald Eyes

Chapter Five - Angel

Chapter Six - Golden

Chapter Seven - Home

Chapter Eight - His First Mistake

Chapter Nine - Hot Mess

Chapter Ten - Ohmyfuckinggod

Chapter Eleven - The Princess Card

Chapter Twelve - Jaws

Chapter Thirteen - Her Royal

Chapter Fourteen - Her Warrior

Chapter Fifteen - If You're Gay You're Gay

Chapter Sixteen - Peace Treaty

Chapter Seventeen - Don't Look

Chapter Eighteen - No One Has a Fucking Choice

Chapter Nineteen - The Crying Girl

Chapter Twenty - Willing

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Copyright

Gestalt Media

Ghost Story by Gestalt Media

Watcher by Gestalt Media

End of Echoes by Gestalt Media

Dark Tides by Gestalt Media

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River

a novel by

Ryen Lesli

––––––––

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Copyright 2019 Ryen Lesli. All Rights Reserved.

What was bound in the Beginning...

will stay bound til the End.

Chapter One

run

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Sept 1st

SHE had to run. Now.

The terrible need to move choked at River, making her skin crawl. She thrust herself into the girl’s bathroom, dropped her bags, tore off her shirt, and toed out of her Asics and socks. Her hands shook as she fumbled with the buttons of her shorts. She crouched down, pulled her Raiders gear out of the duffle bag, and shoved her regular clothes back in. She yanked her ugly green socks on before stepping into her camo pants, and then fought to get her combat boots on.

By the time she sprinted across the JROTC room, she was sweating. She tossed her bags in the corner with the other cadets. Sticking her hat between her teeth, she pulled her tangled hair in a knot at the base of her neck. Out of the room and across the deserted hall, her girl Skye waited. She jammed her hat on and followed Skye out of the school, wincing when the door slammed. They slipped into the back of the Raiders, their sergeant too busy yelling at one of the Snyder brothers to notice they were late.

I told ya not to wait, River muttered to Skye.

Hey, if wifey’s late, I’m late, Skye shot back, making River roll her eyes.

The group of Raiders jogged out of the parking lot, heading down the winding road. They would run two miles to warm up and while the first part was downhill and easy, coming back up was a bitch.

Anticipation curled in River. For a beautiful moment, she felt relief. She was finally outside where she could breathe. Her body slowly came alive, her legs stretching out, her stride lengthening. Adrenaline filled her as she soaked in the wet heat of the afternoon. She suddenly grinned. This—this was everything to her.

With her heart pounding loudly in her ears, she finally let herself go. Leaving Skye behind, she pushed faster, easily passing everyone but Mason and Devyn. Soon, it was just Devyn and River, their booted feet hitting the pavement over and over, the sound in time with their panting. Of course, her relief didn’t last. It never could, because there was a constant sense in her that she was in the wrong place. Her restlessness would become impatience, which forced her to move. With no control, she would finally give into it; her body desperate, pushing her faster, telling her not to stop.

River had always felt like this. Her earliest memory was running. Her mom would take her to the park and just let her go. Sprinting along the trails deep into the woods, she always thought if she ran far enough, the place she belonged would appear. It never did.

Jesus River, slow the fuck down, Devyn huffed next to her, his face red.

River threw him a smirk. Come on dude, keep up, she commanded.

He cursed when she picked up the pace, but he was right there with her. They hit the stop sign at the end of the road, where it led to Highway 5, and turned. Everyone turned behind them as they led the way back up, slower because of that damn hill.

"Move like you have a purpose! Oh, for Christ’s sake—Nelson—move that fat ass!" the sergeant shouted behind them.

You can’t outrun me, baby girl, Devyn panted when they finally slowed down to walk it off.

River winked, clicking her tongue at him. He copied her, pulling his shirt free to yank up the end and wipe at his sweaty face.

Skye eventually caught up, gasping and clutching at her side. Some of her black hair had fallen out of her pony and swung forward when she bent over, hands on her knees.

Hey, you didn’t puke this time, River teased.

Go fuck yourself, she gasped, making River laugh. I swear to God, if I didn’t need to kill it for Wicked, I would so fuckin’ quit this bullshit.

Just like that, River’s relaxed body tensed up, her restlessness rearing its ugly head.

Wicked. Skye’s new boyfriend. Who names their kid Wicked anyway? River hadn’t even met him yet, but she already didn’t like him.

Ever since he had come into Skye’s life, she had faded from River’s. When River asked to meet him, Skye had been oddly reluctant. That, in itself, was out of the norm for her since they shared everything and had been besties since kindergarten.

Skye was drop-dead gorgeous. Standing at five-five and curvy, she had long, wavy black hair and stunning sky-blue eyes. Due to her Heterochromia, her right eye was a kaleidoscope of colors with a curve of emerald on the bottom. But it was her warm energy, that drew people in and what held River to her.

Once Devyn saw Skye, he couldn’t stay away. They had been off and on since freshman year. The first time River met Devyn, Skye had him cornered in the hall and was demanding he tell her he loved her—which was her thing, she made everyone tell her that. After she got him to say it, he scooped her up for a tight hug, a grin on his face because he got to smash Skye’s tits against his chest. All the guys loved hugging her. In return, she owned them. That’s how she worked.

Drop and gimme a hundred sit-ups, let’s go! The sergeant broke into River’s thoughts, bringing her back to the present. Everyone groaned and got down on the red dirt yard.

As soon as River started, Wicked crept back into her mind. She tried ignoring him by focusing on everything around her. Boots scraping dirt, joined by muttered curses and grunts. A hot wind swept through, bringing the scent of faded cologne and fresh sweat. It hadn’t rained in forever, so dust sprayed all over them, making someone behind River choke. Skye’s hat blew off and Devyn grabbed it, throwing it back at her way harder than necessary. He still wasn’t over her dumping him for Wicked.

The sergeant blew his whistle, the shrill sound making River cringe. She wanted to take the damn thing and shove it up his ass. They were right there for fuck’s sake. He shouted for fifty more push-ups, making everyone get into position. She grunted, hating how fast her heart was racing.

When the sergeant moved down the line, Skye’s knees dropped. He needs to throw himself down the stairs, she muttered.

Don’t make me laugh, River huffed back.

I fuckin’ told you, we should’ve just stuck with Exhibition.

River started snickering. She couldn’t help it. Exhibition drill was another thing for JROTC, where you got to twirl a rifle around all crazy.

Yeah, except you about knocked yourself the fuck out with your rifle, River reminded her.

Skye gasped dramatically. "We agreed not to mention the ‘rifle incident!’"

River choked out a laugh. Skye was not known for her athletic abilities. You looked like a unicorn.

Skye scowled at her. You ‘bout to catch these hands—

Clouse!

Skye’s knees snapped back into place. The sergeant trotted over to crouch in front of her.

Is this too much for you, shorty? he demanded, making everyone around them snicker. Skye hated being called shorty.

No sir, she mumbled.

The two of you, get your asses up and give me another lap around the track, and so help me if I see you walkin’, he threatened.

River growled, pushing to her feet. Hell, she could easily run another mile, but she’d have to start her push-ups over.

Dammit, Skye grumbled, stomping behind her to the faded red track. As they started to jog, River fought the urge to throw up. It was hot as hell in September in Georgia. The humidity personally tried to suffocate you.

So...Wicked and I talked last night and he told me I couldn’t be with anyone else, ‘cause I’d always be his, Skye announced, a dreamy look on her face.

Dude, that’s like—creepy, River muttered.

I’m gonna talk to him about applying to UGA, so we can go to school together next year.

Skye’s happy tone grated on River’s last nerve. Are you listening to yourself? she demanded.

Jealous much? Skye shot back.

She sounded so mean and unlike herself, it scared River. I’m not jealous—

We need to find you a boy, Skye interrupted.

River shook her head, gasping in the moist air. I don’t need a boy. What I need is my girl back.

But Skye was off in Never Neverland again. Look, come with us tonight. We’re gonna go grab some pizza, he can bring his brother.

River looked at her in horror. Brother?

Oh shit, I didn’t tell you? He’s got a fucking identical twin named Ghost, Skye panted.

Great. A twin. And his name was Ghost? Jesus. River didn’t want to meet him, she wanted to meet their parents, so she could ask about those dumb-ass names. She opened her mouth, only to snap it shut again. It’s not like she was gonna change Skye’s mind about Wicked, she already tried. The girl was obsessed with him. Besides, it was too damn hot to talk.

By the time the hellish practice was over, it was almost seven. They collapsed on the grass in front of the school, waiting for Skye’s mom, Reggie, to pick them up. River opened her lukewarm pink Powerade and drained half the bottle.

So...you wanna go tonight? Skye asked, avoiding her gaze. Why can’t it just be you and me?

Seriously, what’s your problem with him?

Before River could answer, an odd, painful prickling shot down the back of her neck. Her heart skipped so badly she huffed out in surprise.

River? Skye was looking at her strangely.

Sharp laughter made River’s head jerk to the left. Devyn, Hector, and Brandon were standing with Jessica by the school doors, watching something on Brandon’s phone. Jessica laughed again. The magnified noise drowned out all other sound. The hot wind pushed against River’s face, bringing with it the faintest trace of vanilla. The scent filled her with dread. Get up. She pushed herself to her feet and casually looked around, trying to see the danger.

What is it? Skye demanded, now standing next to her.

I don’t know...I... River caught a movement to the right side of the building.

Skye looked over. Oh shit, she breathed, her face lighting up as a guy walked towards them.

Who’s that? River asked. His face was tilted down, hiding behind a curtain of long, black hair. Don’t be him, don’t be him, don’t be him.

Wicked.

River slowly breathed out. Her vision blurred and she blinked hard. It took her a second to realize that it wasn’t her eyes. It was him. Her heart sank. He was all blurry.

River never told anyone about the thing she could do, not even Skye. The thing where she could actually see people’s energy. Weird as it sounded, she discovered that everyone gives off a different light, and somehow, she could see it. Wicked’s blurriness meant there was something wrong with him. She knew with a scary certainty that he shouldn’t have even been there. At all.

The closer he got, the more her restlessness pushed her to run. She eased back a step, then another. He stopped in front of them. He was intimidatingly tall and muscular, evident even under a black hoodie that didn’t belong in the stifling afternoon heat. He lifted his head and looked right at River. She stilled, her frantic heart in her throat now. His pale blue eyes were intense. So intense that instant panic filled her; so strong, her head spun. She felt something happen in her, something violent, a sharp crack along a forgotten wall that freed a painful wave of raw emotion.

Her heart was broken. Her spirit, dying.

She was ripped from her reality, helplessly lost somewhere deep in her mind. She no longer stood outside her school but in a thick, dark forest. She looked around in surprise. The cool air sparkled faintly. Awareness smoothed along her skin, giving her such a deep longing that something fluttered in her chest. The shadows in front of her shifted, the noise soft. Without fear, she found herself breathless with anticipation.

A tall boy stepped out of the dark. Her heart stopped. For a moment, they were both frozen as they stared at one another. He had the most vivid emerald-green eyes, somehow familiar. A terrible sense of loss hit her. Hard. Tears filled her eyes.

Where have you been? she whispered to him.

His face twisted and he backed away from her, slipping into the shadows.

She reached out a hand. Don’t leave me again!

She abruptly returned to the yard, her hand out towards Wicked, their eyes locked. She dropped her arm, confused, with no idea how much time had passed. It was jarring, going from the quiet forest to the heat of the afternoon. A moan slipped out. Her heart raced so fast, she was sick to her stomach. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. She was overwhelmed by sadness, a sharp reminder that she had lost something important. Him. She had lost him. She shuddered, her teeth clattering together.

Did you hear me? This is Wicked, Skye’s voice was too loud, too harsh, to River’s sensitive ears.

Wicked, she breathed. It felt odd on her tongue. She wasn’t surprised by his name now. He was wicked. Fuck. She wanted to hide.

Have we not met before, River? he asked, his voice soft.

Yes, she thought. Wait—no, the answer was no...wasn’t it? She shook her head, her eyes taking in his cold face.

He had a black and white scrollwork tattoo down his right temple, along with black ink that curled up around his sharp jaw. His unsmiling mouth was cruel. When he eased closer, she caught that faint scent of vanilla again. She dropped her eyes. They fell onto his right hand, to a 3D skull tattoo, outlined in a shocking bloody red. It gave her the creeps, and so did the black ink all over his long fingers.

Run, run, run—rightfuckingnow. She fought not to give into her mind, half afraid he would chase her. She peeked back up.

He was staring at Skye with an uncomfortable intensity. Reaching out, he grabbed her face with those inked hands and pulled her mouth up to his for a kiss that bordered on violence. When they broke apart, they turned on River. For a moment—a brief, scary moment—she felt outnumbered. Totally freaked out, she shook the Powerade bottle in her hand and tried not to run away.

What time would you like to meet? he asked softly.

Cringing at his voice, River turned and frowned at Skye. She didn’t agree to go, dammit. But Skye had that stupid, dreamy look on her face again. No, she had to go. Maybe if she spent time with them together, she could figure out what it was about him that had Skye so obsessed. Then, she could break them up.

How ‘bout eight? River suggested.

Perfect. Ghost and I will meet you there, he promised, looking right at her. The way he said it sounded like a threat.

Reggie pulled up to the curb, breaking the tense moment. Relieved, River hustled into the car and slammed the door shut. She watched as Wicked gave Skye one last hungry kiss before letting her go. Skye climbed in the car and they left, with Reggie blasting her music the whole way home, oblivious to Skye’s weirdness, or River being all freaked out.

When they pulled into the garage of the pretty blue house, some of River’s tension faded. They headed in through the messy laundry room, the comforting scents of Gain and Bounce following them to the kitchen.

I got the shower first, Skye called, heading for the stairs. River went to follow, but Reggie grabbed her up for a tight hug.

River bared her teeth in a wince. "Ohkay," she mumbled, patting Reggie’s back.

The woman was a touchy-feely hugger, while River was more of a puncher. Yeah, she totally showed her affection by kidney-punches or head-locks. Emotional displays were cringy. Thank fuck River’s phone started ringing. The obnoxious sounds of Lumpy Space Princess—which was her mother’s ringtone—broke the awkward moment. Reggie still got a kiss on her cheek before River could dodge it, escaping for the stairs so the woman couldn’t touch her again.

Greetings, birth-giver.

Where are you? her mom, aka, Beth demanded.

River rolled her eyes, trudging up the stairs. The woman refused to acknowledge her humor.

Skye’s.

It was a stupid question. She was always here. Well, unless Skye was hanging out with Wicked, aka, the creepy asshole. Creepy like, Ed-Lorraine-Annabelle-kinda-creepy.

I want you to come home.

Her order made River slow down. Like, right now?

Yes.

But...we’re gonna go for pizza, River protested.

I don’t care, I just need you to come home, Beth said tightly. No, Mom, I told Skye I would go, she insisted.

And I told you to come home.

It’s just dinner, what the hell? She couldn’t remember the last time her mom told her to come home. As long as River stayed out of trouble, Beth didn’t really care.

Silence.

Mom, I promise, I’ll come home right after. I swear. Please? River begged, while miming stabbing a knife into the air.

Her mom hung up on her. She fucking hung up. Who does that? Shaking her head, River stomped up the rest of the stairs, heading down the hall to Skye’s room.

Stepping around the scattered clothes and shoes, she found a spot and sat down on the floor. As she unlaced her dusty, reddened boots, her belly growled, reminding her that she needed food, which reminded her of dinner. With fucking Wicked and his twin. She grunted, tugging off her boots.

Hurry and shower, so I can do your face, Skye ordered as she emerged from the bathroom.

River grabbed her stuff and moved into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. She set everything down and looked at herself in the mirror. Her lip curled up. Her aqua eyes were blood-shot, her face shiny with sweat. Her blondish-brown hair had stayed, for the most part, in her knot. Above her messy reflection, Skye had written Free me...I won’t tell, in black. That was her girl, always writing stuff like that. She was so annoyingly artistic.

River stripped out of her sweaty clothes and climbed in the shower. As she washed up, she worried. Why was Wicked’s light blurred? She had never seen that before. She had seen dark lights, but this was scarier. Just the thought of it made her feet itch. Always fucking run, she thought wearily. The urge never, ever went away.

Once she was clean, she got back in the same shorts and white tee she wore earlier that day. After forcing her wet hair into its usual pony, she let Skye do her face.

When Skye was satisfied, they pounded downstairs. She kissed her mom goodbye, but River only waved. She was too tense for another damn hug.

Skye drove them into town. They blasted the music until they reached the red-light right before the turn into the restaurant parking lot.

Skye punched the radio off. Dude, I’m fuckin’ starving, she complained.

Yeah, me...too, River’s voice faded when she saw Skye’s face. Her pretty eyes were weirdly vacant. For a tiny little second, it seemed like she wasn’t even there.

A horn honked behind them, jerking Skye’s head around. Alright asshole, she muttered and started driving again.

Don’t be stupid, of course Skye was there, River tried to assure herself.

Once they pulled into the crowded parking lot, Skye found a space and parked the car. They got out and River followed her up the sidewalk to the door, her heart pounding faster with each step. Skye opened it, motioning for her to go first. The yummy smell of pizza assaulted River, making her stomach growl again. She took a few steps in, then stopped. A heavy mix of fear and anticipation filled her. She slowly breathed out, carefully scanning the large restaurant. She could fucking feel him.

Skye appeared by her side. He’s been waiting for you, she said. River looked at her, surprised. Me?

This is only the Beginning, Skye promised, staring at her with those vacant eyes again.

The Beginning?

Skye smiled sweetly.

Skye, I-I think I’m just gonna go, River said, her voice shaking.

Right fucking now.

What the fuck? You said you’d hang with us, Skye pouted, back to herself. The abruptness made River’s stomach knot, but before she could say anything, Skye grabbed her hand and began pulling her through the crowded tables.

Look, I don’t think— River started.

There they are! Skye interrupted.

They had a booth in the corner, along the back wall. Wicked stood up and faced them.

River looked past him to his twin. What the fuck? she breathed.

Chapter Two

mom

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THEY were identical, but their lights were completely opposite. Wicked was blurry, Ghost was brilliant. So brilliant, River was immediately drawn to him. She had never seen someone so bright before. She hardly noticed when Skye let go of her hand because she couldn’t look away from Ghost. The anticipation in her was for him, a tight, butterfly feeling that left her breathless. He slouched in the corner, his forearms on the table, the salt shaker in his inked hands. From the angle, she couldn’t tell if he had the same skull tattoo.

Skye scooted into the left side of the booth, snapping River out of her trance. Wicked slid in with her, leaving River no choice but to sit with Ghost. When she slid in beside him, she could feel his heat. It was a fight not to scoot closer.

A sweaty waitress stopped by their table. Drinks? she demanded.

For some reason, everyone looked at River. Can I get a sweet tea, with an extra glass of ice, please?

Sure thing, hun and you? she asked Skye, who looked at Wicked.

Coke? she asked hopefully.

River frowned. Did she just ask him if she could have a fucking Coke?

We will have the same, Wicked told the lady, pointing at Ghost.

She nodded and hurried away. River tucked her hands under the table, nervously popping her knuckles. It was hard to watch Skye snuggle up with Wicked.

Hello, River, Ghost said unexpectedly, his voice soft.

She froze. Just by hearing his voice, she knew that he didn’t belong here anymore than Wicked did. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him lean forward over the table, tilting his head towards her. She peeked at him. Their eyes met. Her breath caught. God, he was beautiful.

Wait. Their eyes didn’t match. Wicked’s were pale blue but Ghost’s were aqua, kind of like hers. No, exactly like hers. She shifted uneasily, unsticking her sweaty thighs from the plastic booth seat. It was hot as balls in the restaurant, but that that didn’t seem to bother Ghost. He wore a black hoodie like Wicked.

Their waitress appeared with their drinks, quickly slamming them down, dropping four straws beside River’s glass of ice.

Alright kids, what’re we gonna have?

"I love pepperoni," Skye sighed.

River gave her a look and shrugged. Uh...right, I guess we’re gonna have a large pepperoni?

The waitress left, leaving River in the painful silence of their table. It almost felt like they were trying to act out a play, only they didn’t know their lines and were waiting for River to tell them. She carefully added more ice to her tea before opening her straw. She slipped it in. Right when she went to take a drink, Ghost started sipping his Coke. Loudly. The irritating sound had her gritting her teeth, slowly turning her head to look at him. His wide eyes met hers as he continued to suck like there was no tomorrow. He looked like a little kid. When it was empty, he gave a humming sigh, setting his glass down.

Thirsty? she asked dryly.

I just love Coke, he blurted out, reminding her of Skye and her damn pepperoni. Could this not get any weirder?

So...where did you guys come from again? River asked, watching him closely. It bothered her that they were identical twins, but their eyes didn’t match.

We come from the north.

From where? she was impatient, desperate for something to make sense.

Canada, he muttered.

Canada? And she was gonna call bullshit on that. Huh. You don’t sound Canadian.

Ghost sat perfectly still, his beautiful face guarded. A dizzying wave of anxiety filled River, making her grab at the edge of her seat. Wow, head rush. After a moment, it passed, but left behind a tingling warmth. What the fuck? She wasn’t anxious. Uneasy? Yes. Freaked out? Yes. Sweaty thighs? God yes. But anxious? No. She focused on it, trying to understand where it was coming from. She found herself turning her head, looking at Ghost. It was coming from him. Holy shit, she was feeling his emotions. They stared at one another. His anxiety was edged in fear. Something passed between them. She knew, he knew, she could feel him, and he knew that she knew that he knew.

We do not stay in one place long, Wicked’s soft voice made River cringe. She had forgotten him for a minute. Our purpose takes us all over.

Did I ask? she sneered.

Her answer pissed him off; a cruel look swept over his face. Maintaining eye-contact with her, he slapped his hand down on top of Skye’s head, his long fingers moving down the front of her face. He roughly twisted her head, forcing her to look to the left, her hair swinging with her. River’s mouth fell open in shock. He let go and Skye stayed in place, her body facing forward, but her face turned as far to the left as her neck would allow.

River looked back at him. Don’t ever fucking touch her like that again! she hissed furiously.

His eyes darkened, the cruel look turning feral. For a scary second, he looked freakily inhuman. A thrill of dread shot through her. He bared his teeth, showing his incisors. He had sharpened them, making them look a little like fangs.

Something pulsed around him, a dark energy. It shot forward, surrounding her frozen body before rushing into her mouth. She choked out, grabbing at her throat. The energy burned up into her mind, slamming into that forgotten wall. The crack split further. Things spilled out, she had no control. Faded memories, someone crying, the sound of kids laughing.

It finally stopped, leaving her panting, covered in sweat. Still holding her throat, she tried to say something, but she couldn’t find her voice.

Wicked lifted his chin and she saw Wicked tattooed across his neck.

"Open your eyes, and see, River," his words did something to her. Low voices ghosted past, a blurred face. Shaking her head, she fought against the restlessness. She was gonna run, she could feel it. She wouldn’t be able to stop herself.

Beth tried to cage your spirit, but you are too strong. She cannot stop your purpose.

He knew her mom? Wicked leaned towards River, his vanilla scent drifting out but this time, there was a musty sweetness to it, turning her stomach.

What purpose? she dared to ask, her heart pounding in her ears.

Your purpose in the Beginning, he breathed with excitement.

Again with this Beginning bullshit! Before River could say anything, Skye chose that moment to start humming. River looked over at her in alarm. She did it loud enough that River could hear her over the noise of the restaurant. The haunting tune made her break out in painful goosebumps.

Skye!

Her humming faded. She turned her head back around and looked at River. Her eyes were blank, a creepy little smile spreading across her lips.

River looked at Wicked. Whatever the fuck you’re doing to her, just stop it!

She belongs to me, he promised before closing his eyes. Enough, he whispered through his clenched teeth.

River had no idea if he was talking to her or Ghost. When Wicked’s eyes snapped open, they were livid.

Wicked. Ghost breathed his name in such a way that Wicked growled. Like, growl—growled. Instant terror filled River. There was no fucking way in hell a human could have made that animalistic sound!

Wicked looked right at her with those terrible eyes of his. The Beginning has come and the End in sight, I break open the portents and acknowledge the Lights! he rasped.

Both River and Ghost made a noise when something heated around them, there but gone the next second. And then, something began to burn, deep inside her. More visions, louder voices, muddled experiences, all of it racing across

Reviews for River

[n.w.moors-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

River is your typical seventeen-year-old girl, hanging with her best friend Skye and living in hot dusty Georgia. She's not fond of Skye's new boyfriend, but it's when she finally meets him that her life turns upside-down. Her mother whisks her away to a new world and removes the suppression of her memories: River finds out she's a Fair and has power, she's a princess (not that she cares much), and oh, she's also bonded to Luca, a boy from her childhood. Luca is now a warrior named Wolf, and he didn't take her leaving him well. Frustrated, River turns to Cat, her Royal (a type of bodyguard) for friendship and comfort. The author has been very clever in how she integrates the world of the Fair with the Outer World, placing it in Muir Wood in California. The world building is excellent and definitely adds to the story. As River relearns her past, the reader is also introduced to her fascinating environs. And not just the other species, but their customs and way of life.The three main characters, River, Wolf, and Cat, are a good mix. River is the linchpin, confused by her new surroundings and frustrated with her mother while Wolf covers his hurt with a belligerent shell and Cat does his best between the two of them. While triangles are often a YA trope (not that there's anything wrong with that), I liked that this one doesn't go on that long.The supporting characters are fun. Scarlett and the other Fair learning swearwords and other slang from River add a comic element that's a nice touch. Finn and Scarlett's romance is also great; it reminded me of Tormund and Brienne from GOT in some ways. The other Warriors are a good mix of guys as are the girls who befriend River.Angel, the evil villainess of the book, is suitably malevolent and just icky. The tour of her rooms is nausea-inducing, just horrific- and a fine piece of writing. For the most part, the writing is good though I got tired pretty quickly of everyone tugging on braids. The story is fascinating and propels the reader to discover more about this world and these characters until one reaches the cliff-hanger ending. I definitely will read the next book and can't wait for it.