Chapter 2: Chosen One

The rest of the night was somber, and the morning proved to be even worse. Our family had never been chosen before, but today was different. The possibility of our family being selected hung heavily in the air, and it cast a shadow over our preparations.

Aurora was uncharacteristically quiet, and Mama nervously chewed on her fingers, a nervous habit she couldn't shake. Papa appeared his usual self, but I could discern the worry in his eyes. As for Vans, he seemed indifferent at the moment. I knew he cared about us, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

I took a quick shower and donned a yellow dress with thin shoulder straps. The sun was already shining brightly, casting a hopeful light on the day.

I joined my family in the living room, my tardiness being a bad habit I couldn't seem to break. Papa often scolded me for it, but today, he didn't spare me a glance.

We began our trek to the town hall. Mama walked alongside Papa, engaged in hushed conversation. Vans walked ahead, deep in his own thoughts, while Aurora and I walked together. The hall was already full, and our family settled into the available space near the window.

Our leader, Couper, and his beautiful wife, Harper, had not yet arrived. They had three daughters, all below the age of twenty, so they were exempt from being chosen. Aurora and I had recently turned twenty-one, which put us at high risk.

I scanned the room, noting the worried expressions of families with daughters of similar age. Those whose daughters hadn't reached the age of selection were in lighter spirits, whispering among themselves. It was the way of humans; they often cared only about their own interests.

"Do you think it'll be our family?" Aurora asked in a soft voice.

I wrestled with how to answer her. I didn't like to sugarcoat things, and the truth was, our chances were significant. The family with two eligible daughters was a loud contender, and the fact that we had never been chosen before didn't guarantee our safety this time. I didn't want to lie and tell her that we wouldn't be chosen when the possibility was very real.

"I don't know, Au," I replied to Aurora. It was the most honest response I could offer.

She let out a heavy sigh and turned her gaze away. I wished I could do something to make her smile, but I knew she would remain like this until we left the hall without being chosen.

After what felt like an eternity, Couper and his family finally arrived. Their solemn expressions were telling, reflecting the weight of the decision they were about to make. It was apparent that sending a girl was a difficult choice for him, but agreements had to be honored. We had never been privy to the full story, just bits and pieces, but it was clear that a past leader had made an agreement with them to prevent the beasts from harming us.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Couper said as he ascended the podium, a true gentleman who never let tardiness go, apologized for.

A few grumbles from the audience, but the hall quickly fell silent. At that moment, I spotted Xavi entering the hall. His disheveled hair caught the sunlight, making his golden strands shimmer. His eyes scanned the room before finally locking onto mine. I beamed and waved at him, and he reciprocated the gesture before taking his seat. As he did, Couper cleared his throat.

I realized that many eyes were on me, and I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks. Xavi's entrance had drawn attention, and when he waved in my direction, those eyes followed.

"Let us proceed," Couper declared, and all eyes returned to him.

"All the parents, to the left. The men at the center, and the girls to the right."

The hall buzzed with activity as we repositioned ourselves. Aurora and I joined the other girls to the right.

"Now, the girls below twenty, move to the left, and let those of age remain on the right."

There was a flurry of movement as the younger girls shifted. When I glanced back, I grew pale. The number of girls eligible for selection was notably smaller this year. Some families had moved away, and their daughters couldn't be part of the selection. I knew of many who were ripe for the choice but had been removed by their parents, likely when they heard there would be a selection.

"I'm scared," Aurora whispered.

This time, I didn't say a word. I was scared too. Couper's gaze traveled from one face to another, while his assistant stood beside him, ready for the proceedings to begin.

The moment was excruciating, and I tried to suppress the fear surging through me. Aurora and I were standing, having heard our family name, Adams, called for selection. I dared not meet her eyes; her distress would only amplify my own.

"Philip and Stone, you may sit," Couper announced, giving relief to two families who wouldn't be chosen.

My heart raced, and I quietly pleaded for my family not to be the one picked. I promised in my thoughts that I would be more obedient and respectful, that I would embrace my responsibilities wholeheartedly, but at that moment, my selfishness was undeniable. I just didn't want it to be us.

Aurora stood beside me, trembling, and I couldn't help but feel the same dread. I wished they'd choose her instead of us; I didn't care about sounding selfish now.

Couper and his advisor huddled in a corner, talking in low voices, and their eyes flicked over us periodically. I shook off the growing unease that threatened to consume me as I waited for their decision.

Couper began to address us, expressing the pain they felt in having to make this choice. He emphasized that it wasn't personal but a necessary step for our safety. He explained the process, stating that the selected family would have a week to prepare their daughter and to hand her over to the guards without struggle.

Tension gripped the hall, and we waited in agonizing silence for his final decision. Couper paused, and I wanted to scream at him for prolonging our torment.

Then he called the name "Winston," but his tone and solemn expression led us to believe they were the chosen family. I relaxed, believing our family had escaped selection. My hope was short-lived as Couper surprised me by instructing the Winston girl to take her seat. My heart sank, and I locked eyes with him.

"Adams, your family has been chosen."

The verdict left me in disbelief, and a wave of despair washed over me. Aurora's eyes welled with tears, mirroring my own anguish. We were the chosen family.