The moment those words left my mouth, the entire room turned towards me in shock. Their reactions made it clear—they hadn't expected this.
"What did you just say?" Alpha Derrick asked, his voice stern, his eyes narrowed.
"I said, I'll be the one to carry out the sacrifice," I repeated, calmer than I felt inside. "I know none of the maids would agree, and I don't think telling anyone is a good idea. So I'll do it."
"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Ma'am Elena's voice cut through the room, sharp and full of disbelief. "Didn't you hear what the sorcerer said? The spell's never been used before. It might not even work!"
"We can't let you do it, Kimberly," the eldest elder chimed in, his voice heavy with concern. "It's too dangerous. We need another way, or someone else must step forward."
I clenched my fists, determined. "Why not me? Why should it be someone else? If it's a sacrifice, someone must volunteer. And I'm volunteering now."
