Chapter 4: Fate

Perched at the solitary table, I sipped on a steaming cup of cocoa. The others had retired for the night, yet slumber eluded me.

"Sleep eludes you?" A voice broke the silence.

I turned to find Mother framed by the kitchen door.

"No," I admitted.

Pouring herself a cup, she settled beside me. Together, we gazed at the heavens in hushed contemplation.

"Aurora's words held no malice. She's simply distressed," she began.

"Why must she depart? Why must any of us be claimed by the beasts?" I questioned.

"That is our fate, as it has been since the era of our ancestors. We are powerless to alter it," she explained.

"So, we must accept that abnormal as normal? Do you not feel anguish sending your own daughter away?" I accused her.

"Do not assume that. I ache for her. I would halt this fate if I could. But to defy it means inviting ruin upon us and our village. Would you sacrifice countless lives to spare our daughter?" she pleaded.

Silenced by conflict, I resolved to resist my sister's fate.

"Every family anticipates this destiny for their daughters from birth. I, too, was groomed by my mother, just as Aurora was," she disclosed.

"Wait. Aurora knew she might be taken by the beasts before the selection?" I gasped.

Mother nodded. "Yes, as the first twin. I discussed it with her, hoping we would evade the summons."

"I refuse to let her go." Disposing my cup, I retired to my bed, consumed by thoughts of freeing Aurora from this impending doom.

Aurora's delicate fingers brushed my hair aside, rousing me from my reverie. Startled, I met her gaze as she sat by my bedside.

"Aurora?"

"I am remorseful for my hurtful words. I did not mean them. I do not harbor resentment, and I regret sounding so self-centered," she confessed.

"I forgive you for everything you said."

"I was horrible to you," she cried, and I embraced her.

"I forgive you. You don't have to face the beasts."

"You want to... you want to go?"

"No, none of us will have to. I'll find a way out for us."

"You promise?"

I nodded. "I promise."

I didn't know how I would make it happen, but I was determined to do something.

"Wanna go to the bakery?"

"Yes," I exclaimed and leaped from the bed.

"Let me get dressed, and we can go together."

"I'll wait for you out front."

I hurried into the bathroom, brushing and taking a quick shower. I donned a blue gown that ended above my knees. Mother was in the kitchen.

"I'm going to the bakery with Aurora, and afterward, I'll stop by Xavi's place."

"Alright. Say hi to him for me. Don't stay out late."

"Okay, Mama!" I called out, already outside with Aurora.

Our village was small, easily navigable on foot. There was no need for vehicles. A small crowd had gathered outside Aurora's shop. They were eager for her delicious treats, but unfortunately, they'd have to wait until later today.

"Guys! Guys! Pastries won't be ready until 2!" I announced. Groans followed, but gradually the crowd dispersed, leaving the area deserted.

The new equipment we ordered had arrived, and the workers were busy with the extension.

"I'm thrilled about the extension, but it's a shame I won't get to enjoy it," Aurora lamented.

"What? No. You will enjoy it. I promised to make sure of that," I assured her.

"Now, show me that broad smile." She beamed brightly, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

We spent the day setting up the new equipment and arranging things in the extension. The bell at the front jingled, and I hurried to see who it was.

"Lucielle?" the girls exclaimed, and I enveloped them in a hug.

"Who's there?" Aurora called from the back.

"It's Ariah and Milly!" I shouted, hearing Aurora approach.

Ariah and Milly were twins, not identical like Aurora and I, but they were our friends, a couple of years older than us.

"Ariah. Milly!" Aurora embraced them.

"Sorry, we're arriving late. We had to drop off the children."

Yes, they were married and didn't live in the village, but they often visited.

"We heard about the choosing," Ariah mentioned.

"No, none of that. Today is for celebration, and we won't spoil it with sad news," I interjected hastily. I worked hard to uplift Aurora's spirits, and I didn't want them to dampen my efforts.

"But..."

"No, Ariah. We have pastries to make and customers to keep happy."

"Okay then…"

So they let the matter go as we headed into the kitchen to prepare pastries. The morning passed by in a whirl of cake-making and doughnut preparation, stocking them in the display case.

Customers streamed in before 2. There was a rush to serve everyone, and despite Xavi's repeated calls, I had to put him on silent. I wasn't about to leave Aurora and the girls alone.

After a couple of hours, the rush had lessened, and I could leave. I glanced at Xavi's text.

Xavi

Meet me at the pink place

"Aurora, I have to go now. Xavi has been calling."

"It's fine. Most of the work is done anyway. You can take some for him." She gestured to the remaining cupcakes on display, and I nodded.

Xavi adored everything Aurora made, wishing I could bake as well as she could. Too bad. I grabbed the cupcakes and stowed them in a takeaway bag.

"Goodbye. I'll be back before you close up," I shouted for Aurora to hear before making my way outside.

"Hey, where are you going?" Milly called after me. She was outside with her phone in hand, seemingly finishing a call.

Looks like she just finished taking a call.

"I need to see Xavi." Her expression changed immediately.

She wasn't fond of my fiancé. Initially, I thought she needed time to warm up to him, but that never happened.

At first, Ariah and Aurora also weren't fond of him, but now, they liked him a lot. It didn't bother me or make me uncomfortable. I was content that the man I loved got along well with the most important people in my life, except for Milly.

"I thought you'd be spending the day with us."

"Yeah, but he has been calling, and I promised to see him today."

"And he can't wait?"

"I'll only be gone for an hour or two. I'll be back before the shop is closed."

"Alright. I'll see you later, honey," she kissed my cheek.

"Bye. I'll tell Xavi you said hi." She snorted, and I chuckled.

Milly wasn't one to socialize, and I reckon that's why she didn't like Xavi. But she respected my decisions, refraining from name-calling like she did with others.

I tightly held the pastry bag and made my way to the pink place to see my man.