Page 34 of The Don's Eternal Vows

"Don't you dare, Gianni,"I can almost hear her scolding me in my head."You promised me forever, remember?"

I chuckle darkly, shaking my head. "Even in death, you're still bossing me around, amore."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Then, I plunge into the icy water with a gasp. It envelops me, so cold it burns—the current tugs at my limbs, whispering wordless promises of solace in forgetfulness.

"Forget," it seems to say. "Let go of your burdens, your regrets."

But I kick against it, fighting to stay afloat.

My muscles scream in protest as I push through the relentless current. Each stroke feels like I'm swimming through molasses, the river's pull growing stronger with every passing moment. My lungs burn, desperate for air, but I can't risk opening my mouth—not here, not now.

"Genoveva," I think, gritting my teeth against the exhaustion. "Remember our wedding night, the way you looked at me under the stars. The promises we made."

The memory flickers, fragile as gossamer. My parched throat constricts, every cell in my body crying out for relief. Just one sip. One tiny taste. What harm could it do?

"No!" I growl internally, pushing the thought away.Focus! You're not some weakling to be broken by a damn river.

I force my eyes open, the inky waters blurring my vision. The current whispers seductively, its voice reminiscent of the Furies' taunts.Let go, Gianni. Forget the pain, the responsibility. Be free.

My heartbeat thunders in my ears, a defiant rhythm against the river's siren song. I cling to that sound, using it to drown out the temptation. Each pulse is a reminder of who I am and why I'm here.

The water seems to fight back harder as if sensing my fight. My thoughts start to blur, memories slipping like sand through my fingers. I can't... I can't remember the color of Genoveva's eyes. Were they hazel? Or...

"No!" I roar internally, forcing myself to focus. I run through every color until I remember hers—green, blue, black… hazel. Genoveva’s hazel eyes.

The water laps at my lips, a cruel temptress. My tongue, swollen and dry, aches for just a taste. I imagine the sweet relief, cool liquid sliding down my throat, quenching this infernal thirst. But the price...

I clasp my mouth shut, so even if I wanted to, no drop can enter.

I push forward, my arms feeling like lead. The river stretches endlessly, a shimmering expanse of oblivion. How long have I been swimming? Minutes? Hours? Time loses all meaning here.

My mind drifts, seeking refuge from the river's relentless pull. Suddenly, I'm back in Sicily, the warm breeze carrying the scent of jasmine. Genoveva stands before me, radiant in white lace.

"I, Gianni, take you, Genoveva..."

The memory wraps around me like a shield. I can almost feel the weight of her hands in mine, see the love shining in those hazel eyes.

"...to have and to hold, from this day forward..."

My strokes become more purposeful, syncing with the rhythm of those long-ago vows—each word a lifeline, anchoring me against the river's insidious pull.

"For better, for worse..."I mutter, tasting salt on my lips – sweat or tears, I can't tell which."For richer, for poorer..."

The current fight me, but I fight harder for the life we swore to build together.

"Till death do us part."

Suddenly, my foot strikes something solid. Riverbed. I've reached the other side. With my last ounce of strength, I drag myself onto the shore, collapsing onto my hands and knees among the jagged rocks.

I kneel there, gasping for breath. My sodden clothes cling to me. Every muscle in my body trembles, screaming in protest at the ordeal I've just endured. But I made it. I didn't drink.

After a moment, I force myself to stand on shaky legs. I survey my bleak surroundings. The cavern walls loom high above me, dark and foreboding. Twisted shapes seem to writhe in the shadows.

The landscape before me is a nightmare made real. Jagged rocks pierce a blood-red sky, and in the distance, I hear screams that make my blood run cold.

"At last," I mutter, pushing myself to my knees. "Hades Palace."

Chapter 16

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