Rebirth Of The Goddess of Hunt

Chapter 2: The selection

Diana's Pov

As we stepped through the gate, the towering werewolves standing on guard gave us a nod of welcome. Lily's hand grasped mine tightly, her fingers intertwined with mine.

We entered the gathering, and there were a sea of familiar faces and some unfamiliar faces - all the girls from our village, their expressions etched with fear rather than the usual disdain I was accustomed to.

But as I scanned the crowd, I realized I was like a sore thumb who stood out. While they were all neatly dressed in their finest attire, I still wore my hunting gear, my shirt and pants stained with dirt and sweat, not like those they were wearing.

My long blonde hair, usually tied back in a ponytail, was falling down my back like a golden waterfall, and my piercing green eyes seemed to shine in the fading light. I was a stark contrast to the village girls, with their dark hair and brown eyes.

Lily, too, looked out of place, her usual bright smile replaced with a worried frown, but that was all. But she squeezed my hand reassuringly, and I knew we were in this together.

"Why are you late?" the village head asked, his voice stern but laced with a hint of relief as he gazed at Lily and me. We were the last to arrive, and I could sense the tension in the air.

“We are sorry sir” Lily apologized hastily, her eyes cast downward, while I simply gazed around the gathering, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces.

I tried to blend in with the other girls, but it was next to impossible with my unique features standing out. My long blonde hair and piercing green eyes seemed to scream "outsider" amidst the crowd of dark-haired, brown-eyed villagers.

Just then, a handsome young man with a stern expression stepped forward, his piercing dark eyes scanning the crowd. The questions in the girls' minds were obvious, but no one dared to ask.

"Welcome, girls," he began, his deep voice commanding attention. "As you are all aware, today is the selection day, and one of you will have to go with us at the end of today."

Cries of wail rang out amidst the crowd, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. Fear and worry was etched on the faces of the girls and I knew we were in for something ominous and big.

The young man paused, his gaze sweeping over us, before continuing, "Welcome, King Alpha Dominion." And with that, a towering figure emerged from the shadows, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd with an unnerving state.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as the girls’ bowed their heads in respect, and I knew we were in the presence of something or rather someone truly powerful.

"Today, one of you is going to be a sacrifice to my pack," King Alpha Dominion declared, his voice cold and detached, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for his next victim. "Full Moon Pack," he finished, his deep voice echoing through the gathering, sending shivers down my spine which I am sure isn't only mine.

"I want everyone in three lines!" he ordered, his command prompt and authoritative. The girls rushed to comply, their faces etched with fear.

I stood at the last line, I was the last person, feeling like an outcast, which I was, while Lily was beside me at the second line, her eyes fixed on me with a worried expression.

I gave her an assuring nod and mouthed “Keep your eyes down” to her. She kept her eyes down immediately.

I kept my gaze down, playing with the dirt beneath my feet, trying to avoid eye contact with the King Alpha and hoping it will be over soon.

This was the first time I was going to be present for the selection.

But for now, I was trapped, a pawn in the King Alpha's game of power and control.

The Full Moon Pack's reputation for brutality and ruthlessness was well-known, and I knew I had to be careful if I wanted to survive this situation.

As we stood there, the King Alpha began to pace back and forth, his eyes scanning the lines of girls as if searching for something more like his prey.

His gaze lingered on each of us, and I could feel his eyes boring into my skin, making my heart race even faster. I saw a pair of legs in front of me and looked up to see King Alpha's chest.

His chest was broad and chiseled, with defined muscles that seemed to ripple beneath his leather tunic.

The silver threads embroidered on the fabric was shimmering like a subtle warning. A small, intricately designed silver pendant in the shape of a crescent head hung around his neck, resting against his chest.

The pendant seemed to gleam with an otherworldly intensity as if it held secrets and power beyond any human understanding. Normally, humans have little or no understanding.

As I gazed at his chest, I felt a shiver run down my spine. This was a man who commanded respect, who inspired awe and fear in equal measure.

His physical presence was imposing, and I couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay beneath the face and emotions he carried around.

"You," he stated, his deep voice commanding attention. When did he reach me? How fast is he? I thought, taken aback by his sudden proximity.

"What is your name?" he asked, his voice firm but curious.

“Diana," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why are you dressed like that?" He asked, his eyes narrowing as he took in my hunting attire.

"I went hunting," I replied curtly, trying to hide my nervousness.

"King Alpha, she is an outcast, you can leave her out for the selection" the village head interrupted, and I couldn't be more grateful for the interruption.

"Then why is she here?" the King Alpha asked, his gaze piercing through me.

"You asked for all the girls in the village, sir," the village leader bowed his head, avoiding eye contact.

I felt the King Alpha's gaze on me like a weight, and I knew I was in trouble. "I have chosen a girl for the sacrifice," he said, moving to the front to address us all. There was tension in the air as he had yet to call the person he had chosen while I held my breath.

"Diana is coming with us," he declared, his eyes locking onto mine, and I felt my world spin out of control.

"What?" I heard Lily's voice beside me, her tone laced with disbelief before I felt her embrace. I couldn't move, nor could I remove my eyes from the King Alpha's piercing gaze, I felt paralyzed.

My heart raced, my mind and my soul screamed in protest. Me? A sacrifice? Why? I thought, but my voice was trapped in my throat, unable to escape.