Before Ethan or Tara could even think of a crazy escape plan,
the old cupboard was yanked aside with a loud crash.
Light flooded into their small hiding space, and before they could react, strong hands grabbed them both roughly.
"Got them!" someone shouted.
Tara struggled, but two large men held her arms tightly.
Ethan tried to fight back, yelling, "Hey! Hands off! I have rights!" — but it was no use. He was outnumbered.
Within seconds, they were dragged out of the abandoned cottage into the open.
The cold morning air slapped their faces, and the villagers surrounded them, forming a tight, angry circle.
Tara's father marched forward, his eyes dark with something strange—something between anger and fear.
"They survived the river," one of the old men whispered to another, voice trembling.
"No one survives that jump. It's impossible..."
Another woman gasped. "They're immortals! Blessed by the river spirits!"
Tara and Ethan exchanged confused glances.
Immortals?!
