Prologue

Ever since I was a little girl, I’d watched those of age walk off into the woods. Each one of them wore the finest silks, adorned with jewels hoping to please the moon god. Why, you may be asking. That’s all because of our tribe’s tradition.

Many years ago two girls ventured off into the woods after hearing about a god-like man that lived out there. Hoping to find this man, they dressed nicely hoping to temp the male. Little did they know, the said man was a werewolf.

One of the girls had seen the man from across the river but as she got closer the man turned into a werewolf. Frightened she and her friend ran, only to be stopped by more wolves. Scared the girls clung to each other but the male that transformed in front of the girl's eyes gave them a chance. He wished for the one with fair skin and long brown hair, claiming she was the most beautiful woman he had seen.

Confused by her emotions towards the stranger, the brown haired girl agreed to the terms leaving her blonde-haired friend to go back to the safety of the tribe. There, the girl told the tribe about the creature that turned into a wolf. She told them of how it walked on two legs before turning and walking on all fours. At first, they didn’t believe her but when more women came back saying the same things, they gave the creatures what they wanted and in turn kept their village safe. Since then they have kept up this tradition.

Every year, those of age are dressed and sent into the forest in hopes that they will be picked. Our tribe made it such a big thing that they even celebrated it. I hated how the girls were treated more like items than humans with feelings.

Three years ago, I watched my best friend dress for the celebration. I still remember what she wore. A light grey floor-length dress that had her red hair blazing in the moonlight, and her blue eyes shining with happiness. She too was happy about being of age, on the other hand, I dreaded that day.

Before she walked into the woods, she embraced me, telling me she would be back and there was nothing to fear but when the sun rose into the sky she didn’t return. Her family didn’t fear for her though, even when all the other girls returned. Instead, they took the money and items given to them by the tribe.

You see, if your daughter is chosen you are treated like a god among the village. Whilst you are god knows where your family live in the lap of luxury. I feared for my friend and three years after she vanished, the next celebration was coming and so too with it was my birthday. On that day I would be of age, and on that day I would be sent into the forest along with the rest of the girls.

But not if I had anything to say about it.