Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby novel Chapter 222

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.

"It seems speed can 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, the pressure will be divided. Fewer monsters will target each of us, and the crossing will be easier."

"Yes," Maíra agreed. "But we can fight. I can also use water to shape a path. Those things don’t look that frightening."

Eleanor’s gaze hardened. "It isn’t about how frightening they are. This is their territory... the water gives them a clear advantage. If we waste energy fighting head-on, we’ll cross exhausted. And we still don’t know what’s waiting on the other side. We can’t afford that risk."

"Then what do we do?" Kiara asked anxiously.

"We wait," Eleanor replied firmly. "The more cadets who enter the river, the more the monsters’ attention will be divided."

She paused, then frowned. "Has anyone seen Ophelia? I can’t find her here."

Jaciara shook her head. "I saw her at the beginning, when only a few cadets had gathered. But then... she vanished. I don’t know what happened."

Eleanor narrowed her eyes in thought. "She must have crossed already. If she used someone’s shadow, no one would have noticed."

"Thank you," Eleanor said aloud. "I trust she’s fine."

A few more cadets emerged from the forest and joined the waiting group. Humans, werewolves, vampires, kitsune, and werehyenas were all arguing, trying to persuade nagas and merfolk to use their water abilities to ferry others across. The discussion was growing heated.

Eleanor, however, kept her small circle apart from the chaos. Their plan was already clear.

"Kiara," Eleanor said, "what’s your cadet number? I want you in my team."

The numbers were sewn into their robes, so Eleanor could have added her without asking. But she wanted Kiara to understand what was happening. Kiara gave her number aloud, and after a flicker of light in her eyes she had joined the team.

Jaciara immediately spoke up. "Please, let me join as well."

"Very well," 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 advancing."

Her gaze fixed on Jaciara. "How exactly do you intend to make it?"

"I can form a water platform beneath us," Jaciara explained. "It should slide forward across the river. But if a strong monster strikes and breaks it, we’ll be thrown into the water. You’ll have to hold them off."

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