Chapter 2: An Unplanned Promise

By the time Waverly, Reina and Finn reached the eastern hill, the rest of the pack had already assembled in front of the wooden bench outside of Waverly's farmhouse.

The moon had replaced the sun and it now lit up her father's face as he stood facing the pack. His hair was slightly disheveled and he pushed it back with his hand, showcasing the small pieces of grey that were starting to display. Waverly, Finn and Reina took their places within the group and watched as her father began his speech.

"Most of you by now know the reason I have brought you here tonight."

Waverly observed as her mother, Aviana, stood at her husband's side. She had her hands clasped together in front of her, a trait she only exposed when she had to seem strong for her fellow members during times of distress. However, Waverly could notice them shaking ever so slightly.

"As everyone is aware, tonight is the annual Sacrifice and as per tradition, it is uncommon for the chosen pack to be aware of their position until the moon has risen in the night sky."

Waverly peered around at the others at the meeting, trying to gauge their response. Her father kept his gaze on the audience before him, his voice deep and sturdy as he spoke.

"Each year, a pack is chosen to supply a woman as a gift to the Crimson Wolf. If she is his true mate, she becomes his Luna, and the pack that she is a part of is tied to the Crimson Shadow and protected from all harm."

He took a breath and looked to his wife and each of his children standing in the crowd before speaking again. "This year, my friends, is the year of the Lycan."

A murmur broke out among the gathering. The moment hit each unmated young woman in the mass at the same time. Waverly stood beside her sister, Isadore, and tried to mimic her mother's strength, but inside, her stomach had folded ten times over. Isadore noticed her calm demeanor and playfully shoved her, causing Waverly to smile.

"What do you mean the year of the Lycan?" piped up Gideon Tress, a man with a quick wit, but even faster snarl for those he didn't like. "I thought that after selection, we were given a 4-year period? It's only been 3 since Gabbi Fisher was sent. What's he got pickin' us again?"

Waverly looked back at the Fishers who stood coupled together behind her. Gabbi was only 16 when she was put up as a sacrifice, only a year younger than Isadore now. The pack, including Waverly's father, had fully believed she would become the Crimson Wolf's Luna. Except when she didn't return, it seemed that they were wrong.

"You know as well as I, Gideon, that Gabbi Fisher was an excellent candidate," Waverly's father replied as he bowed his head before continuing. "As the deadliest pack known to any wolf in the state, we should consider this an honour. The Crimson Wolf has blessed us with the opportunity to provide him a mate sooner than we expected."

"And how do we choose this time around?" questioned another member.

Waverly followed the voice to see the father of one of the young boys from earlier that day raising his head above the others in front of him to see the Alpha, whose eyes softened as he spoke. Drake, the Beta of the Lycan pack, left his post and gathered a pen and paper.

"As we have each time for the past 10 years. You have 20 minutes to make your choice. Drake will come around to the heads of each family to secure your selection and we will continue immediately as followed."

Waverly watched as her father made a swift hand movement, motioning the beginning of the ritual. Isadore moved from her location and sat with her parents and Finn at the wooden bench. She couldn't hear them, but saw Finn's eyes roll as he noticed Isadore's outfit.

Waverly could feel the knot tightening in her body as she observed Drake moving from person to person before making his way to her own parents. She felt a pulsing beat in her head that beat like a hammer against her skull. What if it was her?

A part of Waverly romanticized the idea of a mate; it was destiny for each wolf to find the one who was their other half. Yet, another part of her was happy she hadn't met hers. She was 23 years old and still hadn't seen the world outside of their village. As a wolf, it was uncommon to travel far from your pack, but as the Alpha's daughter, it was nearly impossible.

Duty always comes first. The pack is your family and you must protect them. Even as the second born child, you still hold the Alpha's blood and it is your mission to represent the Lycan pack and our family, her father often reminded her.

But is that all she would ever be? A dutiful wife sworn to a life surrounding image and honour?

A howl echoed through the vast open town and the crowd hushed. Waverly's father assumed his place once again at the wooden bench with his wife and Drake by his side. In Drake's hand was a folded piece of paper that he gave to his Alpha.

"As you all know, on this paper are the names of those voted for sacrifice and as tradition states, I will pass the note to my wife, who will read the circled name from the list aloud."

Waverly's eyes fixated on the note that passed from Drake's hands to her father's, and then finally, her mother's. She focused as her mother ripped open the seal with her finger and scanned the page.

Then, Aviana's eyes stopped. Her fingers tightened their grip on the paper and her stare gradually made its way to the crowd. Her voice was as still as her hands, but came out in almost a whisper. "Isadore Scott."

The pack murmured; at least, that's how it seemed, as the pulse in Waverly's head intensified, drowning out any noise that was around her. It was happening. Her baby sister was being placed for sacrifice.

She looked towards Isadore who now stood at the front of the crowd. Isadore was resilient and often the one who taught others how to relax, be in the present moment and seize the day. But when she turned to face Waverly, her usually soft stare was replaced with fearful terror.

The faces of each of her family members swelled in her brain and it felt as if Finn, her father, her mother, Isadore…they were all staring at her.

The pounding in her head continued.

It is your duty to protect your pack. Duty comes before all else. As the Alpha's daughter, it is your responsibility to defend your family and fight. Fight. Fight. Seize the day and fight for your pack!

And then…the pulsing stopped only long enough for Waverly to hear her own voice breaking through.

"I'll take her place! I'll be the sacrifice!"