The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 509

Natalia's legs trembled with fear as she heard the news. She clung to Magnus' arm as if she were a drowning woman grasping at a lifeline, her eyes widened with desperation. "Magnus, can we bring Jonas back? I don't want him to train anymore or to be some kind of major general. I just want him to live a good life, Magnus, please!"

Tears streamed down Natalia's face as Magnus wrapped her in a tight embrace, his own heart constricting with worry. Yet, he offered words of comfort, "Honey, look at our boy—only twelve and already a major general, not to mention a Harvard prodigy. Boys need to be tough like this. We should be proud of him!"

"But I don't want him to be in danger!" Natalia's grip on Magnus' arm was unyielding.

"It's okay, Jonas is sensible. He'll turn the tide. He won't let his momma down! He'll be back safe and sound before you know it," Magnus tried to soothe Natalia, though his own voice was thick with concern.

"Really? Will he be back soon?"

"Yes, trust me, my love. Our son's extraordinary. Nothing's going to happen to him," Magnus reassured her, glancing outside at the dim sky. "It's still dark in the States. Should we wait until daylight before heading over?"

Natalia shook her head vehemently. "No, I want to go now. I need to see with my own eyes that Jonas is okay."

"Alright, let's go now then." Magnus nodded, supporting Natalia as they made their way to his private airstrip.

Soon, they were aboard a small private jet, flying towards the States. Both were consumed with worry, dreading any mishap befalling Jonas. Having already lost their daughter, another blow would devastate them beyond recovery.

*

On the endless expanse of the ocean, the sun blazed unforgivingly.

Jonas lay weakly on a piece of floating debris, his movements sluggish and futile. He had been adrift for a day, and all he could see was an uninterrupted vista of water—no sign of land, not even a temporary island for refuge.

As his strength waned, Jonas held on to the last vestiges of energy, determined not to let go of the chance to survive. He had to make it back; he couldn't bear to cause his mom and dad any more pain.

Instinct drove Jonas, his resolve unyielding, even as his body reached its limits.

Suddenly, a fierce wind whipped up over the sea, and the waves tossed Jonas high into the air! In that airborne moment, Jonas caught sight of an island in the distance. The realization jolted him with renewed vigor. There was a place to land, at last!

Reenergized, Jonas paddled with all his might toward the distant island, aided by the wind-driven waves propelling him in the right direction. As he drew closer to the island, joy filled his heart. It was lush with greenery, clearly not deserted.