The river Idima snaked through the borderlands like a restless spirit—wide, quiet, and shrouded in myth. Uzoaru approached its banks with caution, her bare feet sinking slightly into the mossy earth. The air was damp and heavy with the scent of old secrets. The trees whispered, but their language was not meant for human ears.
She crouched by the water's edge to fill her calabash, keeping her gaze on the mirror-like surface. Legends told of spirits that could drag a soul beneath if they sensed weakness.
Behind her, dry twigs snapped.
She spun. "Nwanne?"
The second maiden emerged from the mist, eyes glinting. Her wrapper was stained, her anklets dusty from hurried travel.
"I warned you not to follow me," Uzoaru said calmly, though her heart thundered.
"I came for the same purpose as you," Nwanne replied. "The prince belongs to both of us now. We'll see who earns his heart."
Uzoaru clenched her jaw. "You left him when he was weakest."
"And yet you think carrying his burdens alone makes you worthy?" Nwanne stepped closer, voice tight with resentment. "Let's not pretend you're here out of pure love. You seek the crown too."
The river behind them rippled unnaturally, its waters glowing faintly blue.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from the trees. Soft, melodic, and chilling.
"Two hearts. One desire. One path ends tonight."
Both maidens froze. The forest around them darkened. A figure rose from the river—a woman in translucent blue, her eyes hollow, her presence ancient.
"The river tests loyalty," the spirit said. "One must sacrifice for the other to pass."
Neither maiden spoke.
"Choose," the spirit said.
Minutes passed.
Then Uzoaru stepped forward. "Take me. Let her pass."
Nwanne's eyes widened. "Uzoaru… what are you—?"
But before she could finish, the river spirit vanished. The water calmed. And Uzoaru stood unharmed.
"You've passed," the voice whispered.
The forest brightened again. The path ahead opened.
Nwanne stared at Uzoaru in disbelief. "Why would you…?"
"Because I promised to return with the cure. Not for a crown. But for him."
In that moment, Nwanne felt something shift deep within her—guilt, envy, maybe even shame. But the journey was not yet over. And the shadows ahead promised greater trials.