### Chapter 10: *The River Of Reflection*
Author's Note-:
Thank you for waiting all this time. I know I've not updated in aeons (because of being busy with school stuff.). I beg an apology. So, here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy . Tie your seat belts for a bit of chaos.
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Will's POV
The tunnel seemed to stretch on forever, a narrow passage of damp stone that pressed in on them from all sides.
Will's arm throbbed painfully beneath the fresh bandage, and despite Nico's best efforts, he could feel the blood seeping through again. He'd observed Nico was a quick learner and he actually was good as a-son-of-Hades on his first day in the Infirmary.
The air grew colder with every step, and the darkness felt alive, almost tangible as it crept around them.
"Nice place we've got here," Will muttered, attempting to lighten the mood. "Perfect for a romantic getaway."
Will thought, Holy Apollo ! What did I just uttered. Romantic getaway... with Nico by side. Gods of Olympus. How could I even jest about something like that?
Nico shot him a glare, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Not now, Will. We need to stay focused."
Will sighed, trying to ignore the growing sense of dread that gnawed at him. The tunnel eventually widened into a small, dimly lit chamber.
The first thing Will noticed was the river—a wide, sluggish body of water that divided the chamber in two. The surface was eerily still, reflecting the faint light with a strange, unnatural clarity.
"What is this place?" Will asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Nico's eyes scanned the chamber, narrowing as they fixed on the river. "The River of Reflection," he said, his tone grim. "It's known to show you the darkest parts of yourself. Cross it, and it will try to drown you in your own fears and regrets."
Will's stomach twisted. "Sounds like a nightmare."
Will observed Nico stepping closer to the water's edge, and that's when he saw it—etched into the wall beside the river, a series of ancient Greek inscriptions. His brow furrowed as he moved closer to read them.
"What does it say?" Will asked, trying to keep the unease out of his voice.
Nico's voice was tense as he translated the text.
"Beware the waters that reveal the soul,
for what you see may consume you whole.
Cross with courage and mind your path,
lest you face the river's wrath."
Will frowned, feeling a chill run down his spine. "So it's like a test... a really creepy, probably deadly test."
Nico nodded, his expression serious. "It's not just about crossing. The river will try to break you, make you face things you've buried deep inside. If you're not careful, it could pull you under."
Will's eyes drifted back to the river. The surface shimmered, and he could see his reflection staring back at him—only it wasn't just a reflection.
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The Sunlit Stars
FanfictionAfter the Giant War, Nico di Angelo struggles to find his place at Camp Half-Blood. Will Solace, the ever-cheerful son of Apollo, makes it his mission to help Nico heal, both physically and emotionally. As they navigate through, an unexpected bond...
