As Mohandia stood up from the bed, she turned to look at before leaving the room.
"I don’t know what’s going on in your head or what you’re really facing, but always rember you have to fight and win. Many of us are counting on you, and we believe in you. Please, be strong for us!" she said, offering a gentle smile before walking out.
Her words touched deeply. I never realized how much I mattered to those around . I could only hope that things would go as planned, that I would survive what was to co.
With a heavy heart, I dragged myself to the washroom, still nervous about my last experience in there.
*Will I hear that voice again? Will it torture once more?* I wondered, moving sluggishly, fear gripping .
But, to my surprise, I cleaned up and returned to my room without any strange occurrences. I knew the events were tied to the unseen beast disturbing everyone’s peace. I was certain sothing big was happening.
Too exhausted to even think about breakfast, I considered staying in my room. But if I didn’t show up at the canteen, my friends would co looking for , full of questions. I couldn’t afford that.
I hurriedly dressed and headed to the canteen. As I entered, I saw Liza, Kaitlyn, and Mohandia at our usual table, a seat saved for . Their warm smiles greeted , and I felt loved.
But the dread of tomorrow’s sacrifice weighed heavy inside . I couldn’t let them know.
We were served breakfast, and just before we began eating, I stopped them.
"I want to say sothing. Every mont I’ve spent with you all has been the best of my life. You’re my family, and I’ll always cherish you."
Tears threatened to spill, but I quickly composed myself.
The table went silent, my friends staring at . Finally, Liza spoke.
"Kimberly, what’s going on? Is there sothing you’re not telling us?" she asked, eyebrows raised, concern written on her face.
I almost told them everything but stopped myself. I couldn’t cause a scene, not here.
"No, there’s nothing wrong. I just feel blessed to have you all as my family. You an the world to ," I said, forcing a smile.
Mohandia smiled back. "We feel the sa way, Kimberly. I’m lucky to have you all."
"We’re a family. We’ve got each other, and that’s all that matters. Let’s always stick together," Liza added, holding my hand.
"Okay, family. I’m starving. Can we eat before this food gets cold?" Kaitlyn joked, breaking the tension. We all burst into laughter.
For a mont, I felt at peace. But I knew it wouldn’t last.
As we finished eating, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see the chief maidservant standing behind .
"Kimberly, co with ," she said quickly, her face tense.
I rose without hesitation, a sense of dread following as I trailed her outside. We stopped under the big tree in the open field, and she moved closer to whisper.
"Kimberly, do you still want to go through with the sacrifice?" she asked, her voice shaky.
I nodded.
"Did you tell your friends?" she asked, staring deep into my eyes.
"No, ma’am. I wouldn’t do sothing so foolish. The whole place would be in chaos if I did," I replied.
She was quiet for a mont before leaning in again.
"Ma’am Elena asked to tell you she’s made a way for you to escape. She’ll give you money to run far away, where no one can find you. All you have to do is tell her you don’t want to go through with the sacrifice."
The offer was tempting. I had always longed for freedom. But sothing about it didn’t feel right.
"No, ma’am. I can’t take it," I said firmly.
The maidservant frowned. "Are you determined to get yourself killed? Don’t you want freedom? Or do you enjoy the life you have here?"
"This isn’t freedom. I’d be running and hiding for the rest of my life, living like a fugitive. That’s not what I want," I said, standing by my decision.
Her eyes flashed with anger before she turned away. "Very well. Follow . You’ll stay in the house prepared for you until tomorrow."
I followed her in silence, knowing this might be the last ti I’d see my friends. We approached a building I’d seen from afar but never entered. Inside, she led to a room filled with elderly won—maids who had served the pack for years and could keep secrets.
After locking inside, I was left alone with my thoughts. Strangely, I felt no fear. My mind was made up. I was ready to face whatever awaited .
*Why do Alpha Derrick and Mona want gone so badly? What threat do I pose to them?* I thought, sadness washing over .
**Flashback:**
"What did you say?" Alpha Derrick scowled.
"I said I’ll do the sacrifice. I know most of the maids won’t, and I don’t think asking anyone else is fair. So I’ll do it," I repeated calmly.
"Are you mad? Didn’t you hear what the sorcerer said? The spell has never been used! It might not work!" Ma’am Elena shouted, her face pale.
"We can’t let you do it, Kimberly. It’s too dangerous," one of the elders insisted.
"Why not? Soone has to volunteer, and that’s what I’m doing," I said firmly.
"I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, but this is a death sentence!" the chief maidservant added.
**End of Flashback**
*Should I have accepted Ma’am Elena’s offer? Am I making the right decision?* I pondered, unsure.
I walked to the door and knocked.
"I need to speak to Ma’am Elena. Right now," I said, my mind set but no one answered from the outside.
I sat there on the cold floor, heart racing and mind spinning with every possible scenario. The silence was deafening. No footsteps, no voices—just the sound of my own anxious breathing.
The thought of my own demise crept into my mind like a shadow.
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