Southbay, STRIYCOR DISTRICT
WAVERLY
"Tomorrow is the selection ceremony. Remember girls, keep your head down, and wear the cloaks I got you to help mask your scents," Father said over dinner.
The selection ceremony was a yearly event where women were offered as sacrifices to the vampire kings so they didn't go about feeding on any human they set their eyes on.
Being a part of Southbay meant we were subjected to the annual pick, while the humans who lived at Crystalacre acted like royals.
It was both frustrating and annoying that we were the only ones left to suffer while they were the ones that got to stay in the good graces of the vampire kings.
"We know the drill, Father. We'll be fine. I feel pity for those girls left to suffer that horrible fate," I answered.
We had heard the terrible news about the fate of the women who had been carried to Frostmire.
It wasn't like we had things any better here, anyway. The vampire general put in charge of us treated us like slaves, meting out punishment on whoever said a word against him.
"Those Archeon brothers are the horrible ones. They have no care for us humans and continue to pick on us," Pete said.
"Quiet down, boy. We don't want those bloodsuckers knocking on our door," Michelle, my stepmother, scolded.
She was a flawlessly beautiful woman, and with her pale skin, she could easily pass for a vampire. Male vampires that visited Southbay lusted over her, often offering her some gold coins so she could become their consort, but she turned them down at every turn.
We didn't have much of a mother-daughter relationship, but she was a kind woman with the biggest heart I'd ever seen.
"Yes, mother," Pete grumbled.
"It's settled then. Waverly, you'll be going with your mother to the bakery. You two will have two hours before the ceremony starts. Make sure to be on time. I have to help the blacksmith deliver some weapons to Crystalacre," Father said, patting his mouth dry with a cloth. It was a sign that showed he was done eating.
Michelle gave Father a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Dwayne. Everything will be taken care of in your absence."
"I trust my girls."
***
"Waverly, go on ahead. I'll be there in a short while. Let me close up here," Michelle called from inside the bakery.
"Be quick or you'll have to face punishment. Don't forget your cloak," I reminded her.
"I won't. Now, go on. Keep Pete and May's close."
"I will."
Hoisting my dress up, I ran for the town square where many people were already gathered. I scanned the crowd in search of my two younger siblings when I heard Maya's sweet voice call out to me. "Over here, Waverly."
I sighed in relief, rushing over to their side.
"Where's Mother?" Pete asked with a frown.
"She'll be here in a short while. Thank goodness you two have your cloaks on."
"Calm your breathing down. Father told you two not to be late. The ceremony is about to start," Maya scolded.
Indeed, it was. The general assigned to control us, and a representative from Frostmire were already on the raised platform, looking down at us. The town square quieted down immediately.
"At this point, there is no need for introductions. We'll make our pick, and the rest of you can leave," General Tate barked.
Murmurs filled the town square, but a roar from General Tate had them swallowing back their thoughts.
I kept my head down while the Frostmire representative moved through the crowd, selecting women who burst into cries at being selected.
I sucked in a breath when he passed our side, keeping my eyes glued to the ground. I was relieved when he walked past us without picking anyone, but that relief quickly dissipated when I heard his next words.
"The blonde woman with the pale skin. Yes, you. Join the other women. That will be all."
I didn't have to turn around to know he was talking to Michelle. She was the only one that matched the description in the province.
My thoughts were confirmed when I heard her screams in the next second. Maya whimpered beside me, trying to hold back her cries. Pete on the other hand didn't bother to as his loud wails carried across the rowdy crowd.
My heart broke for him when he collapsed to the ground, sobbing. I couldn't let this happen to them. They were still young and dependent on their mother.
"The rest of you, leave immediately or you shall bear the brunt of your disobedience," General Tate ordered.
"Go on. I promise your mother will return to you. Don't worry, okay? Pete, take care of Maya," I said to the siblings.
"Okay. Come back safely."
I pulled them into a hug, knowing fully well this would be the last time if my plan succeeded.
"Take care of yourselves."
I walked towards General Tate who scowled at me.
"Didn't you hear me? Leave or you'll be part of these women."
"I want to substitute in for my mother," I said, holding up my head even though my insides were queasy with fear.
General Tate barked out a laugh. "Get out of here, girl."
"I'm serious. I want to take her place."
"Show me how serious you are."
"What do you want me to do?" I asked, swallowing back the bile that threatened to spill forward at the look in his eyes.
"Strip."
"What?" I choked out.
"Why? Do you think you're better me?" He spat, yanking me towards him, his hand grabbing my breast roughly.
"Take your hands off me."
I pushed him away with all my strength, but he only staggered back a few feet, chuckling at my pathetic attempt.
"I have to see if you're worthy enough to be presented before our king."
"What is going on here?" The representative said, coming to a halt beside General Tate.
"I want to take my mother's place," I replied.
The representative eyed me for a few seconds before smiling. "You've got guts. I'm sure they would appreciate it. Don't lose it when you get to the palace. Swap them out. We leave in thirty minutes."
"Lucky bitch," General Tate said after the representative had left. "You get to fuck one of the kings if not all three of them."
How was that being lucky? Besides, I thought we were just blood vessels for them to drink from. No one told me we were supposed to give up our bodies too. That filled me with dread, but there was nothing I could do about it. I had to do this for my family.
"Shame. I wished I'd fucked you first, but you serve our kings, so it's still a win," he said, leading me to the truck which the crying women were already getting hoisted into. "Michelle, go home. Waverly is taking your place."
Michelle's eyes widened in shock. "What is he talking about?"
"Maya and Pete need you. Go to them. When Father returns, tell him I love him, but I had to do it for the sake of our family."
Fresh tears pooled in Michelle's eyes as she pulled me into a hug. "Thank you so much. Maya and Pete do need me. I'll pray for you and your wellbeing."
"Thank you."
She took off the ring from her finger, the ruby stone catching the sunlight. "Take this so you always feel close to home. I'll never forget this favor you've done for me."
"Alright, that's enough. Michelle, leave here at once. Waverly, get unto the bed of the truck."
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One of the men that worked for General Tate hoisted me up, giving me a sympathetic look.
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