The Sacrifice Mate

Hunter's Cove was a beautiful small town beyond compare, where any seed sown grew and flourished and all folk lived in peace for centuries. Those who lived there, like their ancestors, were still devoted to the Moon Goddess, she who provided for all in each and every cicle of the Moon, it had been that way ever since any elder could recall. It was a peacefull village, but peace required sacrifice. Every hundred years the Moon Goddess would take a bride, who would become her high pristess and would join the night creatures, thus emboding the relationship between Earth and Moon. Every hundred years a bride would join the Lunar Coven as the Moon Goddess would send one of her lycan kin to claim the next bride in her name. This ensured the protection of the Moon Goddess for the whole village, as well as the earthly success of the bride's family which ascended to the higher elite. For the last centuries, for as long as anyone living could remember, the brides had always come from the Hood family, ensuring that they were the most powerful family in all of Hunter's Cove. Naturally, after centuries of favor, the Hood family owned practically everything in Hunter's Cove and ruled over the town almost as medieval lords. Narcissus Hood, was the current Lord of the Household, like his father had been before him and his grandfather before... And he vowed to keep his position and ensure it for his descendants. His marriage to Alma Hood had given him twin siblings, Victor and Esmeralda Hood. Tomorrow they would celebrate their 28th's birthday. So today, Narcissus and Alma would break the news to their children of their fate. This would be particularly important for Esmeralda because Victor pretty much knew that upon their father's death he would become the leader of the Household and become in charge of the estate and pretty much of everything in Hunter's Cove. Esmeralda, however, had no idea what she was truly fated to be. Presently the twins were sitting under an oak tree in their garden. It was their favorite spot, home, but secluded enough from the expectations that were constantly imposed on them as the royalty of Hunters Cove. Here, under the oak tree they were just siblings like any others, they could play, bicker and discuss their dreams in ways they were not allowed in front of their parents - mostly in front of their father. Victor was a stout young man, not very tall and sort of plump, he was stronger than he looked, and had black hair and beard with green eyes. Esmeralda was a beautiful young woman with an hourglass figure, red flaming hair and the same green eyes as her brother. Also, contrary to her mother, she was not very tall. It was a beautiful winter day, and the siblings where sharing their hopes and dreams as they often did when they were alone. Victor: "I hope I can do better than father does when I become Lord of the Household... I want to bring the people of Hunter's Cove closer and make sure they have no need for anything" Esmeralda: " I am sure you will, father can be a bit careless sometimes, especially if mother is not around to ground him in reality" Victor laughs and says "Promise me you will do the same for me sister? When mother is no longer around. That you won't let me get the whole Lord thing get to my head!" Esmeralda laughs as well: "Oh, that would never happen, unless you took up a wife with a cold heart." She teased. She knew how her brother could get he when he had a crush. Victor makes a face 'Oh my Goddess I hope not!!! Plus I want you to get along with your sister-in-law. Just maybe not too much" he teased as Esmeralda slapped his arm playfully. Since becoming a young teenager she was advised by her parents to steer clear from the boys, unlike the advice they gave her brother, encouraging him to pursue any girl he liked, as long as she was respectable and worthy of becoming the lady of the Household. There was a lot of competition among young women to get his attention, but Victor was a hopeless romantic and did not usually fall just for anyone. Esmeralda gave it some thought, she had never minded this different treatment. If anything she was glad she was not pushed into finding a suitor... She loved spending time by herself, going for strolls in the woods at dusk or losing herself in the family's imense library. She was independent and seldom felt the need for companionship aside from her brother's. Hours had passed until they decided to head back to the main house. When they entered they found their parents in the study, both looking rather solemn. Narcissus sat imposing on his armchair, glass of his favorite imported brandy in one hand, while the other clutched the armchair a bit too forcefully. Alma was sitting on the sofa, her dark burgundy dress flowing elegantly complementing her long black hair, she seemed to be holding a small glass of sherry and with a somewhat forced smile she said "Children, please come in". The siblings looked briefly at each other, nothing good usually came from these discussions, it was like falling into a trap but they also knew they had no choice. They sighed looking at each other silently wishing good luck. Victor spoke first. Victor: "Father, Mother... I did not know you were expecting us..." Esmeralda sensing his brother's apprehension continued Esmeralda: "We would have, of course, returned much sooner" Both of them noticed they way their parents tried to conceal that they looked at Esmeralda with special interest. Alma: "Close the door dear, and come sit with us. We have much to discuss about tomorrow" Despite the saddened but still calculated look she was giving her daughter, both siblings felt a false sense of ease. It might just be to discuss the birthday celebrations after all. Narcissus Hood made it a point of making the celebrations a town affair, with all the elite coming to celebrate and parade their children as possible suitors for the Hood family.