Chapter18. The Choosing3

Everyone clapped as I fiddled with the strands on my sleeve, looking down. “Tonight, we welcome back our offerings, thank them for their sacrifice, and reward them with a union of marriage,” Mr. Cranshaw carried on, and I fought not to roll my eyes. Yes, make it sound desirable, that’d help. They rambled on about the werewolves and the territory, and I tuned out, waiting for the bit that was making my heart race. The choosing part. Finally, the mayors started calling names forward of the men. They showed them off, gave them each a speech of accomplishments and body description. Then the girls. Mine was embarrassing, humiliating, degrading, but I hadn’t expected much, being who I was. “Daughter of our very own general, Mr. Valarian, we have Lorelai Valarian. She is five feet ten with a slender build and full breasts. She has dabbled in various village activities but prefers solitude.” I had actually said I like my space more than people, but they had taken liberties. “She is winter born