Chosen

Adriana’s POV

​I immediately felt a blush creep up on my face when I realized that I was the least dressed-up person in the entire ballroom. Girls were dressed in beautiful, flaunting, and elegant gowns as they giggled and enjoyed the butlers' company. There were at least around twenty or more butlers marching around the hallways.

​I stared up at the several chandeliers that were hanging from the ceiling and admired the beauty of the room. Who knew this place was this spacious and beautiful? I watched half of the girls and guys enter another room and decided to follow along, as I was very unfamiliar with this mansion, although I've seen it from the outside a couple of times. It was hard to miss.

​"You have to avoid being seen by him," I kept telling myself as I followed behind a girl.

​Upon entering the room, I realized that I had just entered the ballroom. I watched some girls flaunt their dresses, dancing to the music, while others kept talking to each other. Humph. I didn't know we were allowed to dance at our own funeral. I fiddled with my fingers and noticed some guys eyeing me as I passed by, but I decided to ignore their intimate stares. I was thrown a few compliments and whistles, but somehow, I didn't feel that uncomfortable. I knew that I wasn't the only one who was dressed up for this ceremony, and there were so many prettier girls than me in this room.

​"Drinks?"

​An unfamiliar voice made me gasp. I turned around to face a butler who was now holding out a tray of cocktails. I quickly shook my head, and he smiled before nodding.

​"Can I ask you something?" I asked politely. The butler nodded, his hazel eyes boring into my brown ones. "I thought only girls were allowed to attend the ceremony?" I questioned softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

​The butler chuckled. "Yes, but these men are close to the purebloods. They are our special guests. Don't worry, there are only around thirty males; you'll hardly notice them," he said. I nodded before he left.

​Yeah... hardly.

​"Find a place to hide until it's over," a voice in my head advised. I took a deep breath before turning to search for a good hiding spot.

​"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome."

​The voice made me freeze in my position. I looked up to see ten or more guys climbing down a spiral staircase. My stomach tied itself into a knot when I instantly realized that they were not normal people.

​"We're so happy that you could all make it for this special ceremony," the guy with the light blond hair said out loud. I heard a few giggles behind me.

​"It's Tyrell, he's so cute," I heard girls whispering to each other, and my heart raced at their words.

​"Draven Cruz will be accompanying us in a few minutes," Tyrell continued, licking his lips before darting his eyes around the room.

​A cold shiver crawled down my spine as I tried to keep a straight posture. "I have to hide somewhere," I told myself before turning around and pushing my way through the crowd.

​"Enjoy," was all I heard before I bumped against a random girl, earning a scowl from her.

​"Sorry," I murmured before rushing past her, heading near the appetizer table where people were least hanging about. I took a few deep breaths, calming myself down. "Relax, it's going to be over soon. There are so many pretty girls here. There's no way that I'd be chosen," I assured myself before biting my bottom lip in fear.

​So why am I still having this bad feeling that something's going to happen tonight? I glanced back to notice the vampires who were now talking and laughing with some girls. Physically, they looked like normal human beings, but if only people could see them for who they really were.

​"Draven Cruz has arrived," a butler announced.

​I almost choked on my water as I stared up ahead to notice a male in his 20s. His hands were covered in tattoos. I watched him walk down the staircase before standing in front of the crowd, who were now lined up in front of him in a row, including me. Though I was standing in the very last row, where men were standing next to the ladies as well. Men bowed in respect while the ladies bobbed a curtsy—including me.

​I could feel my heart pounding loudly against my chest as he stood up straight in front of the whole crowd, his blue eyes penetrating into each and every one of us as if he wanted us to fear his presence. I landed my gaze on the ground and clutched my hands together, knowing very well that it was too late for me to run now. I had to be here until this whole ceremony was over—or at least until he chose five girls.

​"What's your name?" I heard his deep voice across the silent room before a girl spoke.

​Wait, he's choosing already?

​"Ferra Will," she spoke softly, and I watched him nod his head. As soon as he did, the beautiful eighteen-year-old girl rushed towards him before standing beside him, a cheerful grin spreading across her face. I couldn't help but feel bad for this poor, clueless girl.

​I took a step back, breathing in and making sure that I was barely able to see his face through the crowd. After all, he was supposed to be able to see each and every one of our faces clearly, although I was literally the only one who was now standing in the very last row, making sure to keep a safe distance.

​"You," he said, and I watched another blonde-haired girl scurry towards Ferra Will.

​"You both." His voice sounded impatient, and two more young girls rushed towards the first two before standing in a line, maintaining their posture. Their faces looked relieved, and it disturbed me more than it should. I mean, why? I just don't understand how anyone could enjoy or be happy about this whole thing. Everything about this ceremony was wrong!

​"One more girl," I heard a man whisper from behind.

​I could feel my eyes widening to the size of saucers when I realized that all the men were now moving to the very back, revealing every girl's face clearly including mine. It's going to be fine; it's just one more girl, Adriana. You'll make it through and get home safely, don't worry.

​I heard a bunch of whisperings starting to arise inside the room, and I bit my bottom lip nervously as I landed my gaze on the floor.

​"Quiet!" Draven suddenly snapped, causing me to gasp and everyone else to grow quiet immediately.

​Oh god, please don't make me a victim of this cruel man. "Don't choose me, anyone but me!" I kept praying silently, gripping my dress tightly with already sweaty palms and trembling fingers. It's a miracle that I wasn't having an anxiety attack by now.

​I watched his eyes linger around the girls standing in front of him before they landed on me, and my heart skipped a beat. His eyes were so hypnotizing, yet so intimidating; it caused goosebumps to rise all over my body. It took me a few seconds to realize that his eyes were now fixated on my very own, and I froze in my place, sweat rolling down my forehead as the color from my face drained away completely.

​"Run, Adriana," my subconscious warned me. I was about to take a step back when he pointed his index finger at me, his jawline locked in anger.

​"You. Don't—even—think—about—it," he warned, emphasizing every single word. I gulped softly before my feet froze in position.

​By now, everyone was turning around to look at me and I almost melted, tears welling in my eyes as I tried to utter at least an apology. He knew that I was going to run away... he knew.

​"Your name," he demanded, tilting his head to the side. My eyes widened when I realized what he was about to do next. "Tell me your fucking name!" he suddenly snapped.

​I jolted before speaking. "A-Adriana R-Reed..." I almost whimpered, blinking away my tears and trying my very best to swallow the lump in my throat.

​"Adriana Reed," he started, taking a step back and slipping his hands into his pockets in a calm manner. No, please no.

​"You're the last one chosen," he finished, and my heart dropped at his words.