"The way you picked the chosen one is different from other years Clarice. It makes me wonder if you are still fit to make decisions? Maybe you are feeling unwell for the choice tonight since you've done quite a few things differently than usual."
Many were quiet as Randel spoke not knowing why tonight's events were different.
The manly voice was enraged that the seer picked that specific young girl. Many turned to face him seeing a vein almost pop out of his forehead confused on why he was even commenting on the decision of the seer. It wasn't as though this decision affected him.
Sophia even glanced in his direction noticing Randel's green eyes staring between her and Clarice with a darkened expression which made her want to hide behind the seer. He didn't seem like the same man who gave her a charming smile just earlier.
Randel was perhaps not harsh with the village people at this time, but many who challenged their authority were often punished in ways Sophia didn't wish to be exposed. And Randel gave her a feeling of absolute terror whenever his eyes became a shade darker.
Clarice let go of the hug she had with Sophia smiling widely at nothing in particular. She still couldn't see the man, but she knew exactly who it was and seemed unfazed by the shift in the atmosphere.
"Oh Randel." She sighed turning to her right toward his direction. Although she still wasn't facing him directly, she sensed he was in that direction making it known to him that she could still do many things even though her sight was taken away. "I feel very confident in this years picking. She is very special to the skies."
"What does that mean exactly seer?" Randel sneered glaring at the blind woman while some villagers stepped to the side not wanting to get in their path during this discussion. "There is nothing special concerning the girls you pick every year. I feel like you specifically picked Sophia out of your own choice."
And while some were very interested in the new gossip for the week, many parents of the other girls wrapped them in cloaks walking them away from the field before the seer could change her mind. Even as their hearts gave for Sophia, their love for there children was sacred and they only wished to keep them safe.
"It means I will personally train her the days before the full moon unlike the other girls from previous years Randel. She needs more preparation than those of before since her sacrifice will be different. She is very special. All of the chosen girls are special." She said straightening her posture. "And how dare you insult my relationship with the skies."
"I don't think you can determine any changes with how the ritual functions Clarice. It seems you've forgotten your place and makes me question your judgment. You have been disrespecting my authority for far too long."
Clarice laughed softly at Randel's remark unfazed looking toward Sophia speaking more quietly.
"The full moon will be accompanied by an eclipse this year. Very rare and very special. It only makes it important to give the gods a special sacrifice. As for authority, I only listen to what commands I am given by the gods."
Randel didn't say anything trying to think of a way around the situation concerning the girl he wanted. He didn't have much time to figure out a solution making him think irrationally since he was openly arguing with the seer right after the picking. He wouldn't have very long to solve the problem this night making him furrow his brows not finished with it all.
"Sophia!" Ruby exclaimed making her way towards her daughter now that silence was being stretched before them all. She too thought it was best to take Sophia away from the seer and council since something was wrong.
There was tears falling down her mother's small face which surprised Sophia since she expected the woman to be happy. Sophia could see the sadness in her mother's expression, but she quickly composed herself hugging her daughter in front of the villagers.
"What an honor!" She said loud enough for many to hear. "To think you are the chosen one brings me so much joy my sweet child! How blessed am I!"
Ruby held onto her daughter tightly scared that if she let go, she would lose her. Everyone was watching them and trying to listen since this whole evening wasn't going as planned.
Unlike her husband, Ruby was okay with the agreement the village made because it saved many lives while only one gave their own willingly. Her daughter was disappointed with her, and deep down she knew her husband would have been as well due to her giving in to the ways of the village. However, she was always able to see the bigger picture.
Ruby still loved her precious daughter and felt like she would rather die than allow her daughter to endure some dreadful death. But she also realized it wasn't just about her. There were others who had families in the village. If sacrificing Sophia could help the people, she was willing to allow it. And to Ruby, this was no death, but rather a sacrifice.
And there was always a chance her daughter could survive…
However, sadness still lingered in her heart as Tallkin Red's face was appearing in her memory as a deep frown stared at her almost haunting her soul.
Her love for her husband was strong, but thinking he would be heartbroken was almost tempting her to allow Sophia to run away. Yet, she knew deep down that she owed the Gods everything.
Sophia nudged her mother off with a frown because she was feeling somewhat upset over her words. She knew her mother loved her, but she felt betrayal that she didn't protect her from this event.
Even so, Sophia expected to be comforted and not praised for this horrid occurrence. Why did it seem like her mother couldn't take care of her for once in her small life?
"Please don't touch me." Sophia murmured only loud enough for Ruby to hear taking a step back no longer wanting to be near her.
Ruby saw the anger in her daughters eyes, but dismissed it facing the people smiling and offering her happiness for the decision. Right now was not the time for her to help her daughter through this ordeal.
"Miss Ruby, I will need to spend time with Sophia before the full moon. I know you will probably wish to have all her time, but I need to prepare her for a great purpose." Clarice chimed in while Ruby was expressing excited to her friends.
Sofia watched the two women discuss the situation making her extremely angry. She felt invisible and wished the earth could swallow her whole.
Shaking her head while others began to cheer for the chosen one (or because their children weren't the chosen one), Sophia started to walk away from the group knowing that no one was paying her any attention. In fact, it seemed like a celebration was starting.
Angry tears fell down her cheeks as she internally screamed at herself for not running away. Maybe she should have left her mother who obviously didn't care about her upcoming death. She had foolishly believed she wouldn't be a chosen one this year, yet luck was never on her side.
She made it to the village walking furiously shaking her head hoping no one would come after her. She was literally alone and there was absolute silence surrounding her which in a way made her feel better. She knew no one could offer her the comfort she needed and for the deep despair appearing in her heart.
She had forgotten her brown cape and could feel the cold chill of the wind hit her shoulders which only made her more paranoid walking alone to the corner of the village land where her little cabin was. She lifted her arms rubbing her shoulders still fighting tears from falling.
Her family home was far away from others since Ruby was shamed by many women in the village due to her marrying the most desirable man and being so incredibly poor. Women honestly hated how Tallkin was taken and how he stayed so close to a woman who didn't deserve him.
Shivering slightly, Sophia walked toward her little hut close to the forbidden forest while feeling something alarming. She looked around nervously hoping the creature from earlier wasn't near her at this time since goosebumps were spreading across her arms.
She could sense him coming toward without moving her face making her freeze in her tracks finally thinking he wasn't going to wait for the full moon to devour her. Although his eyes were quite memorizing with the deep golden look, she knew the animal was only going to snap her neck the next moment he saw her.
She started looking around gasping and nearly screaming anytime a branch moved expecting the beast to jump out and attack her.
Suddenly her eyes narrowed seeing something golden behind a bush only to have something grab her arm from behind forcefully and painfully.
"Ahh!" She screamed turning around hitting the individual who immediately let go. She continued to scream for dear life while closing her eyes wanting to ignore the person who would bring death covering her ears.
To her horror and after the tears left her eyes. Her vision adjusted in the darkness noticing the handsome councilman with a concerned expression. His hands were in midair as he awkwardly didn't know how to comfort his beautiful girl.
"Sophia-" he started approaching her with his hand touching her shoulder only to see her flinch.
She quickly lifted her hands as sobs started to escape her lips wanting so bad to not be here with this man. She was already chosen to die, and now this man scared the rest of her life out of her soul.
"Come here." Randel said pulling her into a hug she didn't expect or want. It felt unnatural and almost worse than the idea of being this years chosen. He held her far too tightly making it almost painful to breath.
Randel was older and handsome being desired by all the girls in the marketplace, but he never once helped Sophia when she was bullied or hungry as a child which was an immediate distaste in her mouth.
Sure, now that she had become a beauty to the villagers' eyes, they all seemed to offer little bits of scraps. But it was far too late.
"Please just let me go…" she said through tears which Randel ignored. To him, this was his moment to make her dependent upon him.
"Shush now. He said in a tone that could be pleasing to anyone but Sophia. "This mess will be sorted soon. Things will be changing for you Sophia and I will keep you safe."
At his words, the sadness immediately left Sophia's chest replaced with anger as she pushed away from Randel staring at him with amazement.
"Sophia." He said with a low angry tone as he saw her glaring at him. "I am here to help you. Perhaps you should start accepting-".
She wasn't one bit over the moon with his charming words and only looked at him accusingly knowing his words meant nothing and how he was no better than the rest of the village.
Sophia turned running away making him open his mouth wanting her to come back. Her fleeting figure only made the man frowned knowing she needed to learn a few lessons in the near future.
Eventually Sophia made it to her home open the doorway and not once turning back to see if the councilman followed. Locking the door, she fell to the ground crying in her knees to the gods wondering why.