Chapter Four

I felt warmer than usual. It was as if someone had wrapped me in a thick winter blanket, and if I focused hard enough, I could have sworn I felt hands caressing my arms. As the hands ran down the length of my arms, the warmth grew as small tiny little tingles were left in its wake. The small tingles filled my body with a nerve's warmth, something I hadn't felt before, and just as I began to welcome more of it, the hands left.

The sound of a persistent knock had me stirring from my slumber. As my eyes focused on the wood ceiling of our hut, I swear I could still feel the ghost-like touches on my arms. Sighing, I moved towards the door. Opening my bedroom door, I was shocked to see father standing on the other side with a wide grin on his face. Honestly, the look he was giving me screamed fake.

Gazing behind Father, I spotted the town's Chief and a lady holding a white dress. With a frown, I spoke, "Can I help you?"

Chuckling rather loudly, Father pushed his way into my room causing me to stumble back slightly. Something was defiantly off, and whatever game father was playing I didn't want anything to do with it. Moving my gaze to the village Chief, I lowered my head slightly. "What do we owe for this visit?" I tried to keep my words soft, remembering the words from the Nuns and the church. Given that the chief was in a high position, I had to show respect or suffer the consequences of my actions.

Giving me a small smile, the chief walked further into my room soon followed by the lady at the door. "Well, considering that tonight is the Choosing we have come to give you your dress for tonight."

Confused, I moved my gaze to my father, "But I thought that I wasn't-,"

"Nonsense!" came Father's voice. Quickly walking over to where I stood, Father placed his hands on my shoulders. "Of course, you're going." He said, "I know that you won't be chosen by the beast, as you're to marry Matthew, but the Chief here has requested all girls of age to attend."

"No restrictions." Added Chief.

Nodding, I turned to gaze at the lady now holding the dress I would be wearing for the night. Gently grasped in her tiny hands was a beautiful white silken dress. It seemed to have a floral pattern woven through the fabric, with a small hint of silver resting on the sleeves and bodice. Given that the full moon was tonight, I would finally dress to please the beasts of the moon. However nervous I was, the excitement of possibly finding Sharlee started to push the worry away, as well as my common sense.

Gently taking the gown from the lady, I bowed my head in thanks. With a deep breath, I lightly ran my fingers over the silk. "Isn't this too much, father?" I whispered, my eyes now watching Father.

With a gentle shake of his head, Father gazed at me with a sad smile. "Nothing is too much when it comes to you, my darling." Grasping my arm, Father gave it a gentle squeeze. "You deserve the world."

Closing my eyes, I resisted the urge to cry. If I were to be chosen tonight, I'd never see Father again. I wouldn't be able to help him or make sure he eats all of his meals. Clearing her throat, the older lady took the gown from my hand. "Let's get you ready, Miss."

Clapping his hands, the chief gave a small laugh. "That's right, there is much to do before you are to leave." Leave? Why was he talking as if I was to leave tonight?

Turning to exit the room, Chief stopped. Gazing at me with a warm smile, he spoke, "Happy birthday, Annabelle."

Smiling in return, I nodded. Making his way towards me, Father gently grasped my arm. "I'll see you when you're finished." Placing a small kiss on my forehead, he lingered longer than usual. As he pulled back, I noticed his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Happy birthday, my beautiful Annabelle." Watching Father leave with hunched shoulders, I knew he didn't want me to participate but we both knew I had no choice. Now that the choosing was here, I couldn't help but fear the thought of going into those woods. It's funny how only yesterday I was walking the path we would be taking today with happiness. Yet right now, I wished I could turn back time and forget all of this.

"Let's get your ready, Miss."

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After what seemed like forever, I was finally done. Gazing in the mirror that had been placed in front of me, I could hardly recognise myself. The white dress fell to the floor in a beautiful wave. The silk almost seemed as if it was shining with the flicker of the light from the candle.

Sighing, I ran my hands down the soft material of the dress. "You look, beautiful miss." Softly whispered the older lady.

Forcing out a smile, I thanked her. Although I too agreed that the dress was beautiful, I couldn't help but think if this was how Sharlee had felt. Closing my eyes, I tried to think of a happier moment.

A soft knock on the door had my attention snapping away from my thoughts. Smiling at me from ear to ear was my father. His glassy eyes roamed the dress, as a sad, faraway look crossed his features. "You look beautiful, my love."

"Thank you," I whispered. I couldn't form any other words. I was afraid if I spoke I would break down and ruin the gown. Walking towards the older lady, Father thanked her. "May I have a moment alone with my daughter?"

"of course." With one final look my way, she left. Once the door was closed, Father reached into his back pocket. Pulling out a small dagger, he held it out towards me.

"Father?" I spoke. Gently grasping the handle, I looked up at him confused.

"I made this just for you, Annabelle."

"But... I already have one." I spoke.

Smirking, Father pulled out a leather garter for the dagger. "Did you think I hadn't noticed you lost my knife all those years ago?"

How could I forget? Gabriel had taught me how to throw a dagger on one of the rare days he had visited the village.

"Focus, Annabelle." Shouted Gabriel.

Groaning, I threw the knife at the target with a groan, only to have it fall to the ground once again. Chuckling at another failed attempt, Father returned to crafting a new leather sheath. Grabbing the blade from the ground, Gabriel came up behind me. The feeling of his presence had my skin tingling in delight.

Placing his hand over mine that now held the blade, I felt his breath tickle my neck as he spoke. "You're not releasing your hand at the right time." He said, "That's why the blade won't stick to the target."

Taking a deep breath, I rolled my eyes. "Because you know what you're talking about, don't you?"

A deep chuckle left his lips. The sensation of his chest against my back sent my heart fluttering. "I was taught by a great leader." He spoke.

Turning in his hold, I gazed up into his silver eyes. "Let me guess, your father taught you?" I laughed, only to have Gabriel move away from my body. Turning my body back around, Gabriel's hand moved my hand that held the dagger. Pulling our hands back, Gabriel gave a quick flick of his wrist sending the dagger off to the target. Hitting the board with a loud thud, I couldn't help but gawk at the weapon now lodged into the target some six feet away.

"No way," I whispered, completely shocked by how easy he made it seem.

"Told you." Came his sudden reply near my ear. His breath fanned across my neck and I could only imagine how close he was standing to my body.

Clearing my throat, I turned to Gabriel with a small smirk. "Show off."

Gripping the tops of my shoulders, my father frantically gazed down at me. "Promise me, if anything happens tonight you will use this dagger, if one of those beasts comes near you, you throw it as hard as you can."

Forcing a smile, I nodded. "You have my word."

Tonight, I was finally joining in on the Choosing, the very one I lost my best friend to. My father didn't want the wealth that came with being chosen, all he wanted was to keep us together. Sadly, for my father, I had other plans. Tonight, I was going to find out where Sharlee went. Even if it meant being taken by the beast themselves.