Arieshell emerges from the river with excitement, bringing new information or clues to their quest. Jacques and the crew rushed to her side, the immortals parting to let her through. Mawiyah watched with curiosity, her gaze lingering on Arieshell's glowing eyes.

"What is it?" Jacques asked, his voice tight with anticipation.

Arieshell held out her hand, revealing a small, waterlogged journal. "This was in the river, wrapped in leaves. It's in the same handwriting as William's letters!"

The crew gathered around, their eyes wide.

Belle took the journal with trembling hands. "He wrote this before he left," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "He found it—he found the River of Youth."

Jacques took the book from her, flipping through the pages. The entries grew more frantic. The ink blotched as if written in haste. His eyes fell upon the last entry, his heart racing.

"He found something here," Jacques murmured. "Something that changed everything."

The crew leaned in closer, the air thick with anticipation and fear."It's not just a legend," Belle murmured, her eyes shining with a mix of wonder and dread. "It's real."

Jacques nodded, his gaze never leaving the page. "And it's taken William from us."

Arieshell stepped closer, her eyes on the journal. "But it also brought him here. To us."

Jacques looked up from the pages, meeting her gaze. "We need to understand what he's been through. What has this place done to him?"

Mawiyah spoke, her voice a blend of amusement and warning. "The river does not give without taking. Those who seek it are never the same when they leave."

Jacques flipped through the pages of William's journal, the words blurring before his eyes. "What does it mean?" he murmured.

Mawiyah stepped forward, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "It means," she began, "that your friend William has partaken of the river's water. The price for such power is high, but so is the temptation."

Her words sent a shiver down Arieshell's spine. "What price?" she asked, eyes searching the serene face of their host.

"The river does not grant eternal life freely," she explained. "It demands a piece of the soul. A piece of time itself."

The crew exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. William, in his innocence and desperation to save the ones he loved, had stepped into a bargain with the river.

Jacques's hand tightened around the journal. "What does this mean for him?"

Mawiyah's smile faded. "The river is a prison for those who seek its power. It gives you what you wish, but it never lets you go."

Belle spoke up, her voice trembling with fear but laced with determination. "But we can't just leave him there," she said, her eyes fixed on Jacques.

Jacques looked up from the journal, the weight of her words pressing down on him. "We're not leaving anyone behind," he said. "We're going to find him, and we're going to bring him home."

Belle's eyes met his, filled with hope and fear. "What do we do?"

Jacques took a deep breath, the words of the immortal woman echoing in his mind. "We need to understand the river better," he said finally. "It's rules, it's... power."

Belle stepped forward, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "What if we could offer something else?" she suggested, her voice steady despite the quiver in her chin. "A trade of sorts?"

Arieshell tilted her head, curiosity piquing. "What do you have in mind?"

Belle's eyes flicked over the journal pages, whispered slowly. "The river... it demands a balance. A life for a life. A soul for a soul. But perhaps... One can alter the terms if the price is willingly paid."

Mawiyah considered Belle's proposal, his ancient gaze unreadable. "Your friendship with William is commendable," she said. "But the river's whispers are seductive. It does not easily release those it has claimed."

Belle's chin lifted. "I know William better than anyone. We are bonded at birth—our destinies intertwined."

Arieshell's gaze sharpened. "Bonded?"

Belle nodded, her voice unwavering. "Our mothers were best friends, and they both died giving birth to us—on the same night, in the same room. The midwives said it was like we shared a piece of each other's souls. And since that day, we've never been apart. Until now... Until these six years."

Her words hung in the air, thick with emotion. Mawiyah's gaze grew thoughtful. "Such a bond is rare," she murmured. "But it does not guarantee your friend's release from the river's embrace."

Jacques stepped closer to Belle, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "What can we do?" he asked. "We're not asking for immortality. Only to save him."

Mawiyah studied him and Belle. Her gaze pierced through layers of hope and desperation. "Your bond is strong," she said finally. "But it is not the same as ours. It is... untested."

Belle's eyes searched his. "What do you mean?"

Mawiyah sighed, her ancient eyes filled with a sorrow that spoke of a thousand lifetimes of wisdom. "Your bond with William is indeed unique. You were born together, weren't you?"

Belle nodded, the truth heavy in her voice. "Just before. At birth."

Mawiyah leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "Ah, a bond of blood and loss. That is indeed potent. But the river... it does not care for such ties. It craves the purest of intentions, the willingness to sacrifice everything for the one you seek."

Belle's eyes widened. "You mean... I have to drink from the river, too?"

She nodded gravely. "If you wish to challenge the river's claim on William, you must first understand its power. And there is no understanding without experiencing."

The crew exchanged anxious glances.

Gus spoke up, his voice thick with concern. "What does that entail?"

Mawiyah's expression grew solemn. "The river's embrace is not for the faint of heart. It requires you to confront your deepest fears, your most profound desires. And when you emerge, you may find yourself changed in ways you cannot fathom."

Jacques felt his grip tighten on the journal. "Belle, you don't have to do this."

But she looked at him, her eyes clear and steady. "If there's a chance to save William, I'll take it. No matter the cost."

Mawiyah nodded, his gaze unyielding. "Then prepare. The ceremony will be at dawn, when the river whispers its secrets most clearly."

"Woah, woah! What ceremony?" asked Jacques.

Her eyes didn't leave Belle. "The river demands a tribute to share its power. You must offer something of equal value to the bond you seek to claim."

Belle took a deep, shaky breath. "What do I need to do?"

Mawiyah spoke, her words measured. "You must offer a piece of yourself to the river. Something of equal value to the bond you share with William. Only then can you hope to reclaim him from its grasp."

Belle nodded, her determination unwavering. "I understand."

Jacques searched her face, his fear mirrored in her eyes. He knew her better than anyone—knew her capacity for bravery and love. But this was different. This was stepping into the jaws of a myth, reaching for a friend lost in the embrace of eternity.

Mawiyah's instructions were vague, but the gravity of the situation was not. They retreated to the Sparrow, the weight of their discussion heavy in the air. Arieshell, ever the pragmatist, gathered supplies. Gus took the first watch, his eyes scanning the jungle edge for any sign of movement.

Jacques found Belle in his cabin, the candlelight flickering off her tear-stained cheeks. He sat beside her, not touching her, just being there.

"What will you give?"

Belle's voice was a whisper. "I don't know. But I'm willing to find out."

Jacques's gut tightened. "We're with you, no matter what."

Her eyes searched his, seeking reassurance. "But what if it changes me?"

Jacques took her hand, feeling the tremble within her. "You're already changing," he stated softly. "But it's because you're growing stronger. And if this is what you have to do to save him..."

Her eyes searched his, and he saw the fear, but the determination was unmistakable. "I'll do it," she whispered. "For William. For us."

Jacques felt a lump in his throat. He knew what she meant for the friendship they had cultivated since childhood. He nodded, and without another word, pulled her into a tight embrace. Belle's arms wrapped around him, and for a moment, the world outside the cabin door ceased to exist. They held onto each other as if the simple act could keep the shadows at bay.

As the embrace broke, the reality of the situation crashed back in. The air had anticipation, the very walls of the Sparrow seeming to pulse with the energy of the island. Jacques knew they had to prepare for the ceremony that would begin at dusk. He stepped outside the cabin, the soft light of the setting sun filtering through the dense foliage.

The crew members moved with a newfound urgency, each knowing their role in the upcoming events. Caspian and Quinton checked the ship's rigging, ensuring that every rope and sail was secure. Erasmus and Eda gathered food and water, stocking the supplies they would need for the journey ahead.

Mawiyah had instructed them to bring an offering to the ceremony. Jacques searched the Sparrow for something that would be valuable to the Ancient Eternal Tribe. His eyes fell on a chest in a corner of the cabin, filled with the treasure they had for his twenty-eighth birthday. He knew he had to be careful, choosing something significant but not too precious to risk angering the tribe.

After a moment's thought, he selected a handful of rare gems and a beautifully crafted necklace made from the feathers of the island's sacred bird. He hoped it would be enough. As they approached the clearing where the ceremony would take place, the air grew thick with incense and the inaudible murmur of tribal chanting.

The Ancient Eternal Tribe had gathered, their painted faces and feathered headdresses a stark contrast against the deepening shadows. At the center of the clearing, an enormous bonfire roared, casting a flickering dance of light across the scene. Mawiyah stood before it, her eyes closed and hands raised to the sky.

Jacques, with the offering in hand, led Belle and the crew. Gus hovered protectively at her side, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Jeeves had joined them, his curiosity piqued by the ancient rituals. They walked in a solemn procession, the weight of their mission pressing heavily upon them.

The crew had donned their best attire, a silent show of respect for the gravity of the evening's proceedings.

The ceremony began with the setting of the sun, the fiery orb dipping below the horizon and leaving the clearing bathed in a warm, red glow. Mawiyah's eyes snapped open, and she turned to face them as they approached.

Her gaze was intense, holding the power of a thousand lifetimes of wisdom. She gestured for Belle to step forward. The air grew thick with anticipation, and the chanting of the tribe grew louder, a deep bass that seemed to resonate in the very core of the earth beneath their feet.

Belle walked with a steady determination that belied the fear Jacques knew she had to be feeling. He could see the tightness in her jaw, the way her hands balled into fists at her sides. As she reached the center of the clearing, Mawiyah took the offering from Jacques with a nod of approval.

The gems and necklace were placed on a makeshift altar of woven branches and leaves, glinting in the firelight. The chief's eyes never left Belle's, as if she were searching for something hidden deep within her soul.

The chanting grew to a crescendo, the rhythm of the drums beating in time with the pulse of Jacques's heart. The tribe members swayed, their movements mesmerizing and eerie. Belle took a deep breath and stepped closer to the bonfire, the heat washing over her like a wave.

Mawiyah spoke in a language that none of them understood, but the meaning was clear. She called upon the ancient powers to lend their strength to Belle, to help her conquer the curse that was placed upon William.

Jacques watched, his eyes never leaving Belle's face as she closed her own eyes and offered her palms to the sky. The necklace of sacred feathers was placed around her neck, the gems set into a small pouch that Mawiyah tied around her waist. The tribe members stepped back, creating a ring around them, and Mawiyah proceeded, chanting. The air grew charged with an energy that seemed to crackle and dance in the flames.

The fire grew higher, casting an otherworldly glow on Belle's face. She stood tall, the heat of the flames licking at her, but she did not flinch. Her eyes remained closed, her breathing deep and even, as if she were drawing power from the very earth itself.

The chanting grew more intense, the rhythm of the drums quickening, pounding in time with the thunder of the ocean that reverberated in the distance.

Mawiyah moved in a circle around Belle, her arms outstretched and her voice rising in a mesmerizing song that seemed to coax the very spirits of the island to join them. The air grew heavy with anticipation, and even the jungle held its breath, as if waiting for something momentous to occur. The flames of the bonfire flared brighter, and the shadows danced with a frenetic energy that seemed to coalesce around Belle.

Her eyes snapped open, revealing irises that had transformed into swirling pools of blue and gold, reflecting the fire's fury. Jacques felt his heart race, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword as the circling power grew palpable. He had never seen such a display of raw, unbridled magic, and he knew that the fate of his dear cousin rested in her trembling hands.

Mawiyah's chant grew louder, more urgent. Then, amidst the cacophony of the ceremony, a soft, ethereal whisper pierced the air. Belle's mother's voice, faint yet clear, claimed her daughter as "The Wild Rose," a name that resonated with power and promise.

The flames of the bonfire shot upwards, reaching for the stars, as if in acknowledgment of this ancient bond. The tribe's chanting grew fervent, their bodies moving in a frenzied dance that matched the fiery display.

Jacques watched as Belle's form shimmered, her body made of light and shadow. The necklace and pouch of gems around her began pulsing with a rhythmic glow that matched the beat of the drums. Suddenly, she stumbled, and a tear slipped down her cheek, sparkling in the firelight. The surrounding light dimmed, the shadows encroaching, and the chanting faltered. His heart clenched. This wasn't the moment of doubt.

He stepped forward, but Gus's firm hand on his shoulder held him back. "Let her be," he murmured. "This is her battle."

Belle's eyes squeezed shut tighter, and a tear streaked down her cheek. Jacques felt a surge of concern, but he knew Gus was right. This was her moment. Her destiny. And she had to face it alone.

Suddenly, Belle's body convulsed, and a flash of blinding light erupted from the bonfire, sending the tribe members stumbling backward. When the light faded, she stood tall, her eyes alight with the same swirling blend of blue and gold from the flames. A soft yet powerful glow emanated from her, and the air crackled with energy. The crew stared in awe, their eyes wide with shock and amazement.

Jacques saw the tears on her cheeks, not of pain, but of determination and acceptance. She had found something within herself that she never knew existed, a strength born from the love of her family and the bond she shared with William. Her eyes searched the crowd, finding Jacques, and for a brief flash, she offered him a small, tremulous smile. It was the smile of a warrior acknowledging the support of a trusted ally.

Mawiyah's chanting grew softer, the drumming a gentle heartbeat in the background. She placed her hand on Belle's forehead, and the two women stood there, connected by an unseen force that seemed to pass from the chieftain to the young woman.

The glow grew brighter, and Belle's form shifted, her body elongating, the lines of her face changing, until she was no longer human but a creature of pure, radiant energy. The crew of the Sparrow watched in astonishment, their fear forgotten, as Belle transformed into a being of light and power.

The moment etched into Jacques's mind, a memory that would haunt him forever. He could feel the energy coursing through her, a fierce determination that seemed to challenge the very fabric of reality. It was a sight that was both terrifying and beautiful, a testament to the depth of her love for William and the lengths she would go to save him.

Mawiyah spoke in a language that was as old as the island itself, her words a gentle caress against the night air. Belle's form grew brighter, the blue and gold light from her eyes extending outwards, enveloping her in a cocoon of power.

The tribe members watched with a mix of awe and trepidation, their chanting now a whispered hum that seemed to be drawn from the very essence of the island.

"You must focus, Wild Rose," Mawiyah said, her voice cutting through the din. "The path before you is fraught with peril, but the love in your heart will be your guide."

Belle nodded, her voice steady despite the tremor in her limbs. "I'm ready," she said, her eyes never leaving Mawiyah's.