I Volunteer As Tribute Novels & Stories

“Instead of throwing people into a cursed river like some archaic sacrifice, we’ll take a bowl of water from the river where wolfsbane grows. Each volunteer will immerse their hand. The one who withstands it the longest will prove their rank.” The murmurs rose again, louder this time. I could see the relief on some faces and the unease on others. “It’s fair,” someone finally said. “It’s better than dying,” another agreed. Avan frowned, clearly dissatisfied, but he finally nodded. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.” The tension in the crowd lessened, though it didn’t disappear entirely. “Who will the volunteers be?,” Someone asked. Avan’s gaze landed on me. “Asher will represent the hybrids. That w

That she was indeed a kind older woman. Viva smiled at her words but only did she know that she would be her next victim. Viva was the one that had first sold out the red Crescent pack to Trix. She was the one that made It easy for the rogues to come in but due to the fact, that the rogues were made to swear an oath of secrecy, no one had ever known she was the one.

I began, with a steady voice, “we stand here because of the sacrifices of our warriors. Lives were lost in defense of our pack last night, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.” The room was silent, as the weight of my words sank in. “We have the right to celebrate but we have to be prudent. Four of our fallen warriors could not be revived and it's a huge loss to the pack. This is not in any way being ungrateful for those that were brought back to life. “We thank the Moon Goddess who gave us a special gift in the person of Luna Everly,” I continued, glancing at Everly, “She almost lost her life trying to restore those lives. Her bravery and strength are unmatched, and

And then, with the kind of calm that came from choosing your own fate, Regan said: “I do.” The priest nodded. Then turned to her. “Do you, Zara Tunde, take this man…” The silence stretched. Zara’s lips parted slightly. She looked around once more. So many faces. So much expectation. Her fingers trembled again. Then her gaze returned to Regan. Not the boy who represented betrayal. Not the son of Chief Kareem. Just him. And softly — barely louder than a breath — she said: “…I do.” A pause. Then applause.

Kaia and Arthur growled at the same time, but it was she who continued, “Get out of here! This party is about my family! It has nothing to do with you, and you have no right to interfere…!” “On the contrary.” Dean scoffed. “I’m not here to interfere with your lovely party. In fact, I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days about how to give my own gift to your heroic son. And, I think I’ve finally found the perfect option.” I could hear the small, ironic smile on his face. “I propose a tribute.” "No one needs the homage of someone like you," Arthur growled, furious.

“The war is over. The Shadow Crown is broken. The bond between your king and his consort has endured. Let this village rise again under a new peace.” Caelan stepped forward, meeting the eyes of the gathered people. “I was once sent as tribute, expecting only death. Instead I found a mate and a future. The bond did not bring ruin. It brought victory. We will restore your wells, your homes, your fields. And we will ensure no child grows up under the shadow of old grudges.”

“Who is the tribute, my Queen?” I had thought about this on the walk over. I couldn’t take from Rose, I needed Sinead for my popularity but Rochelle came into mind. She was proud, a vocal member of the Kate-hate group that could do with coming down a few pegs. She had Warrior selection in the bag as well so she would be fine screwing up a few exams. “I offer Rochelle as a tribute,” I declared firmly. “My queen,” he replied back in that thunderous, rumbling voice. I don’t how it is possible when the demon has no face but I swear the huge bulbous puddle of black ink just smirked as he retreated back into his rock form.

The events of today will surely scar them for life. “We are here on Lord Sergio’s orders!” the man continues, holding everyone’s fearful attention. He lifts a finger, “One, for your goods and two..” He gives a leering look at Rose who avoids his gaze, “For one tribute from each family.” I inhale sharply…. A tribute. So they really are here for the women. I see the look of terror frozen on Rose’s face and the despair in mother’s eyes as well every one of the villagers’. We are outnumbered and simply cannot fight back. Every family will be losing a loved one today. Or two, in Samuel’s case.

She wanted to laugh at the alpha, Axel’s father. ‘Bless the Moon Goddess? I want to see if you can still smile after you witness the end of this ceremony. After all, this is not called the Bloody Tribute Ceremony without a reason. This day will go down in the history as the most brutal event like what happened in my first life. I remembered how I trembled after seeing a parade of body bags…. All because of one person.’ Diana thought before she looked beside her where a woman also looked at her and gave her a smile.

I didn’t regret helping Kade kill him, he deserved it and I would do it all over again without a second thought but… now, I wasn’t so sure. The death of those monsters crushed Aurelia , the young, smiling girl that had helped me bandage my wounds when we were young was gone and in her place was someone filled with hatred and rage. I should have taken her away sooner, she should never have been there to witness it but this was all I could do to save her. Kade didn’t give her off as a tribute, her life was bargained for. Our help in wiping out her parents, in exchange for her life.