Full Summary: Her sacrifice will mean the freedom of the village, and she can care less. Raine doesn't even care if she dies, but she's enraged when she learns that her future is not short, but a promise of immortality and marriage to the King of Werewolves, the monster who has tormented her village since long before she was born.

There were jeers of excitement and there were cries of loss. Neither of them outshone the other, as my ears kept each of these phrases and held them to memory. My last memories of the village.

The fabric covering my body was soft, gentle; it promised security and prettiness, but I knew it was just a mirage. I couldn't see the fabric, and even if I could, it was a deceitful tactic; a final act of charity given to those who thought I was worthless.

The wagon stumbled over the uneven path as the horse sighed and pushed forward. I listened to the creaking whines of the over-used wagon as it was pulled at a rate it was inexperienced too. I was the only thing inside of it, and it had carried objects of heavier stature throughout its life; perhaps it cried for me.

I actually laughed, despite my desire to cry. To think I had considered that the wagon pitied me. I'm sure the horse would moreso. It's anxiety was paramount as it began to cry out against the impending sense of death in the air - we were drawing near.

"This is for the village... you're a hero, Raine," my father said from atop of the horse. I snorted with disgust but didn't privledge him with my words. There was nothing left to say - he knew I hated him, and he didn't care.

"Damn it, they're coming!" the village Chief shouted. I shook my head, nearly smiling as I thought how foolish it was that he noted this after the fact. They weren't coming - they were here.

Maybe my blindness was a curse, a punishment, as the fortune teller once told me; or perhaps she was just a hag who had no idea how accute my other senses would develop.

"It's all right," I cooed to the horse as he began bucking and swinging back and forth, trying to unhinge the wagon from him. "You'll be fine. They don't want you."

The horse didn't respond to my calm words - instead, he persisted his attempts of escape. Eventually, I heard my father crack open the whip and slash it against the animal's backside, rendering a cry of pain but also gaining silence. My jaw locked as I was consumed with anger; I could remember the sharp sting of the whip myself.

"Dump her in the meadow - hurry! Before they get us."

I was jerked out of my solitary position and flung over a shoulder - most likely Bordo, as he was the strongest. His wretched stench of body odour tormented my nose and I twisted away from him. He believed it was an effort to escape and tightened his hold on me. I wouldn't bother escaping. Where would I run to? I had nothing left.

"Be good, Raine. The village will be safe because of you," he whispered as he stopped and lowered me down onto soft grass. I could smell the lovely freshness of the wild flowers and I inhaled deeply. I wanted that scent to engulf my nostrils and remain there until I died, but the promised stench of blood threatened that very wish.

At least I would never have to see it, as much as I would hear it. I wondered if the sound of my body ripping apart would be similar to the slaughtering of the farm animals, or if my screams would cause them to halt and prolong my demise even further? Perhaps I should stay silent, just in case.

I listened as the wagon rolled off, accompanied by three or four horses. There were no final farewells as they hurried to the village, desperate to be spared and not witness the bloodshed of their kin.

I didn't bother even moving to my feet but instead stretched myself onto my back. The sun had yet to set and I felt its warm glow as it heated my body with its soothing rays. Come on, I thought. I'm here for you. I'm waiting.

There was a long moment of obscure silence before I heard the snapping of twigs and then the sound of branches being ripped apart.

They were emerging from the forest. Their paws slammed into the ground, thundering the earth with their massive weight.

For another moment, I really did wonder what it would be like if I could see the beasts we had always feared - those mysterious and frightful werewolves.