Chapter Five

As I made my way towards the centre of town, many of the town children began to rush towards the forest's tree line. Most of the children seemed excited about the festivities that would be taking place tonight. If only they understood what it meant to be chosen. Nearing the forest, I was shocked to see everyone had already begun to celebrate. People in wolf skin paraded around a large bonfire in the centre of the field, while others drank and spoke loudly. Everyone looked to be having a good time.

As I allowed myself to watch the people around me, I noticed a group of people sitting off to the side with frowns on their faces. Matthew and his friends looked on in disapproval of tonight's event, as a few of the young men in the group held their bows. Moving my gaze to Matthew, I couldn't help but notice the angry look on his face, and as I slowly approached him, I watched the features change to one of love. With a small wave, I moved closer.

Bowing to the other men, I smiled. "Are you joining the festivities?" I said as I nodded towards the bonfire.

With a shake of his head, the smile fell from his lips. "This... festival is not to my liking."

Nodding, my gaze shifted to the forest. "I have something for you." Spoke Matthew. With a deep breath, my eye glanced at a small metal object in his hand. "Matthew..."

"I wanted to give this to you." He said, "I know you will be back but..." Taking a deep breath, his blue eyes glanced at my hands. "I'll wait for you here, Annabelle."

Gazing at the ring, my chest filled with an unknown heaviness. I wasn't ready for this, nor did I want this. I didn't want to be tied to Matthew, and the longer I gazed at the ring more and more questions began to fill my mind. If I were to return, would I be able to marry him, knowing I would have a long and unhappy life? It's not that I didn't like Matthew, I did, but I had so much I had to do. I needed to find Sharlee.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I took the ring from his outstretched hand. "You accept?" He spoke, voice cracking slightly.

I couldn't fight him right now, not when I knew my father would be here somewhere and most likely watching me. I wanted to make my father happy, and I did, but I wasn't entirely sure if I could become the perfect daughter, he so wanted me to be.

Forcing out a smile, I whispered. "Yes." As soon as the words passed my lips, I was swept off the dirty floor and into strong warm arms. Matthew laughed loudly as his friends cheered behind him as a few bystanders clapped at the scene in front of them. As soon as my feet touched the ground I quickly left without a word. This felt wrong. My skin felt insanely hot as if someone was glaring at me.

...

As I neared the gathering of women, I noticed how excited they all seemed. Each one of them chatted happily about what was to happen, and I took my place in line their chatter began to die down. The festivities had now stopped as the start of the ceremony had started. All the girls would be given a blessing and a unique mark that would help to appeal to the beast in the forest.

Peering down the line of women, I watched on as each one began to get their markings. In front of me, a young lady fussed about her dress. She wore a knee-high gown and like the rest of us, she wore no shoes. With a frown, I wiggled my toes as I felt the cold grass move with the action. The chief had instructed all women to not wear shoes, why I'm not sure, and considering the nights have been getting colder I couldn't help but frown at the ground in front of me.

"Are you nervous?" I whispered to the young woman. Without looking up at me, she continued to play with her dress. "Yes." She whispered.

"What's your name?" I was hoping to calm her as the line began to move forward.

Turning to me with a small smile, she bowed her head. "Lee-Anne, miss." Bowing my head, I gave my name to her. She seemed so young. Her face was covered in a light dusting of freckles, and as the moon moved across the sky her blue eyes sparkled. "I know you." She said, "We have bible study class together."

Nodding at her words, I watched as Lee-Anne was called towards the small table. Dipping his hand in the bowl, I watched as she received her mark for tonight's event. Turning to me with a small smile I gazed up at her given mark. Frowning, I noticed a little upside-down bloody half-moon resting in the middle of her forehead. Forcing a smile I nodded towards her as Lee-Anne began to move towards the other awaiting females.

Stepping towards chief, I took a glance at the gathering crowd. By now, the crowd had started to gather in order to watch the start of the event. Realisation of what was about to happen sent shivers down my spine, as the chief's voice entered my ears.

"Are you ready, Annabelle?"

Tearing my gaze from the crowd, I nodded.

Dipping his hand into the bowl full of blood, I took a deep breath as Chief's hand came closer to my forehead. The feeling of cold thick liquid moving over my skin had me flinching slightly. The texture didn't feel right, and as the mark was drawn the atmosphere was different.

"May the moon be in your blessing tonight, Annabelle. If you're chosen, your family will be kept safe. Shelter will be provided, and no harm will fall on them." Finishing, chief pulled away. Something sparked across his face, something I couldn't understand. Bowing in thanks, I moved to stand beside Lee-Anne. Gazing at her, I noticed how her moon begun to drop and blur. Her skin made the area almost glow like a target for a hunter.

"Are you nervous?" Whispered Lee-Anne.

Nodding, I looked towards the forest. It was finally time to leave and the longer I gazed at the darkness in front of me, I couldn't help but feel something wasn't right. Turning towards the crowd that had gathered, I spotted Father with a small smile on his face. His eyes looked glassy from where I stood, as the bonfire aluminated the side of his face. Sending a smile his way, I nodded.

Giving me a small nod back, I watched as Father's lips moved. 'I love you.' Blinking back the tears, I mouthed a quick, 'You too.'

Once the moon hit the highest peak, the chief made his way in front of the girls.

"This year is the thirtieth year we celebrate The Choosing. I hope all of you know how brave you all are. I pray you all stay safe, and for the one who finds their beast... know you are blessed." As he moved away from the front, I took a deep breath just as the chief's voice echoed across the open field.

"Let the choosing begin!" the sound of cheers came from behind us, as many of the girls eagerly made their way towards that forest. With each step I took closer to the darkness that awaited me, I couldn't help but feel almost lighter.

Beside me, Lee-Anne followed my footsteps. She seemed frightened heading into the forest alone, and I couldn't blame her. Gently grasping my elbow, I felt Lee-Anne shift closer to me. "Do you think we will be okay?"

"I'm not sure." Came my reply. Although I wished to have this girl feel safe, I couldn't sugarcoat the situation we were all in. Regardless, someone was going to be taken and killed by these beasts. I couldn't give her false hope that everything was alright... because frankly, it wasn't.

After what felt like an eternity, I found a small lake. The reflection of the moon rippled off the lake due to the small waterfall down the stream, casting an eery feel to the surroundings. Thanks to the brightness the moon granted me, I was able to make out the marking sitting atop my forehead. Placed almost delicately in the centre was a beautiful mark. The bottom of the moon had dripped down slightly, yet the colour almost looked nice against my pale skin.

Tapping my shoulder, I couldn't help but notice the small shake in Lee-Anne's voice as she spoke. "Annabelle."

Gazing up at her from my position, I noticed her eyes seemed fixated across the lake. Moving my gaze to where she had been staring, I could make out two glowing silver eyes staring directly at us. The more I gazed out at the objects, the closer they seemed to be getting.

Slowly getting to my feet, I quickly pulled at my dress before grasping the small blade. I could now see what this creature was, and knowing that it was here only meant that either Lee-Anne or I must be chosen. As if sensing my thoughts a small whimper left Lee-Anne. Taking a step closer to Lee-Anne the beast growled as if it could read my mind. Don't run, Annabelle.

The sound of twigs snapping to my left had my body shifting. The sudden urge to protect Lee-Anne filled my veins, overtaking any thoughts of escaping... if there even was any. With barred teeth and a small growling leaving its throat, a small brown wolf moved closer to Lee-Anne's side. Drool dripped from its lips, and I could only hope it wasn't going to kill Lee-Anne. Slowly moving a hand behind me, I grasped Lee-Anne's hand. "Lee-Anne...Run." I whispered.

"What?" She all but yelled. Screaming as the brown wolf lunged, Lee-Anne rushed towards the town's direction, soon tailed by the small brown wolf. "Shit." I hissed. Throwing the dagger towards the wolf, a small yelp filled the air as the dagger pierced its shoulder.

Spinning around, I found the silver-eyed wolf now within arm's reach. Slowly lifting my leg to take a step back, I quickly froze as the beat growled with snapping jaws at my movement. Swallowing the fear, that crept in my throat, I raised my hands. "I won't move," I whispered although I knew it heard me from the small twitch of his ears.

Coming to a stop only inches from my body, I watched as it carefully and almost gently placed its nose against the base of my neck. With gritted teeth I closed my eyes, the feeling of small puffs of air the only thing I allowed my mind to focus on. Was it... sniffing me? Just as the thought entered my mind, a male's voice echoed around me.

"It's beautiful to see you again, Annabelle."