The Lament of Death

Chapter 1: The Last Party

Destiny, my grandma always said, is a funny thing. It has nothing to do with rights and wrongs. It’s all about necessity.

We lived in the town where my father was born. His shifter abilities held more prestige than my mother's healing abilities. As his only desire was to protect us, he chose to remain in the town where shifter power thrived.

If you're wondering why I'm talking about mythological beings of imaginative stories, I'll tell you the truth; they're real. When you've gotten past your shock, let me know so we can move on.

Our supernatural town belonged to the Realm of Gold, which included communities of supernatural species. While we tried to get along with everyone, we tended to hang out with the same kind. Therefore, my town in its majority was inhabited by shifters and healers. However, a portion of the population comprised of wielders—those who manipulated their power into energy. Wielders were considered rare gifts—a fact I knew all too well.

We knew of the human world, and some daring souls traveled into their strange world to experience the dangers and the thrills, but I had no such intention. My home was safe, and I could be myself among the people who understood me, so why would I want to leave?

“Kyara, I am going shopping. Watch the food and make sure your little brother doesn’t go wandering around unattended,” my mother called, picking up the shopping list, her purse and the garbage bag in one hand.

“Alright!” I snapped my book closed and took my one-year-old brother to the kitchen.

My mother pushed some strands of her chocolate hued hair off her forehead and opened the door, huffing.

At the sight of the green boiling goo on the stove, I grimaced. I put my brother in his crib, held my nose, and mixed the cucumber smelling soup. Shutting the lid, I retreated to the crib.

“This is the third time this week. This stuff is horrid! Don’t you think?” I addressed my baby brother, who babbled in response. “It’s spring, so there’s no need for soups. There are other foods. Pies, pastas, tomato-based dishes!” I paced, shooting angry glares at the crackling pot. “Who eats cucumbers, anyway?”

When Mom showed up with armfuls of shopping bags a short while later, I grabbed the bathroom products, climbed the stairs and brought them to the blue bathroom, smelling of lavender and roses.

I gave myself a quick once over in the mirror and brushed aside some hair that mischievously drifted onto my forehead.

I looked at my white shirt covering my waist where my navy skirt flowed down to my thighs. I sucked in my stomach. I wasn't fat, but I wasn't a perfectly skinny girl like the rest of my peers. Pulling up my black and blue striped socks, I rubbed my calves, grinning. Socks were my favorite part of clothing, and each day I took special care on selecting the right pair from the overflowing drawer in my bedroom.

I stared for a long time at my bland gray eyes. Choosing an eyeliner, I touched up my eyes and sighed at the serenity of the image I saw. I couldn’t stand colorless things.

Fashioning my inky dark hair into a ponytail, I slipped my feet into my electric blue chucks. When I emerged into the corridor, my eyes immediately went to the clock and had a mini heart attack.

Running down the stairs, I shot a hurried “goodbye” at my mother and raced the two blocks to school with my coat at hand and my school bag banging on my back. The brick building came into view when the sun baptized the windows with its light.

“Kyara, you made it!” Tia waved me over to the bench she was sitting on with the other girls of our group.

I fell on the bench, gasping, and drank half of my water. Once my breathing returned to somewhat normal levels, I peeped, “What’s up?”

Tia rose, eyes shining more than the stars of the sky, and announced with a dramatic voice, “I watched the Wild Boars’ last video.” Arms locked over her chest, she spun around in a very-Tia-esque ballet routine. “Dan is so handsome!” She looked at nowhere in particular, a deep sigh whooshing in the air.

We laughed at her over the top antics.

“Tia, wake up.” I elbowed her as the bell announced the beginning of classes. “You can dream all you want during History class. No one’s going to notice. Ha!”

Tia stuck her tongue out at me, and we marched to the building. I melded with the other girls, exchanging news and greetings until we reached the top floor.

We were a group of girls mastering the art of makeup, ready to take on any challenge. Even though I was the only girl with a plump body and curves, I fit right in.

Supernaturals attended a general education until our sixteenth year, when we got our powers. According to the species we turned out to be, we followed the corresponding specializations. Girls were almost always healers, except for some who turned into shifters. However, it was extremely rare in our town. The population was arranged in a way that encouraged a peaceful environment.

“I’ll show you the video during break,” Tia whispered as she took her seat next to me.

“The only reason I would listen to hip hop music is if all other bands were disbanded, which will never happen.” I rolled my eyes and leafed through the History book as I mentally prepared myself for the lengthiest and most boring class of the week. “Rock all the way!” I extended my thumb, raised my index and pinky fingers for emphasis.

Tia looked at the ceiling, opened her mouth, but immediately shut it in the presence of Mrs. Gia.

Mrs. Gia could have walked in a fashion show with the full lips, speaking with a honeyed voice you couldn’t ignore, the perfect almond eyes, sunlight catching the gold of her hair and vibrant voice, as she welcomed us every morning.

Umm...sorry. I’m sure there’s a person possessing all these charming attributes, but unfortunately, she didn’t.

Mrs. Gia was something worse than ugly. She was slow. Her frizzy hair fell unkempt on the timeworn cardigan she never changed. She made her way to her professor’s desk with a slow, sluggish pace. Being a sloth shifter, she played with our patience every week, but I for one would like to know who had the nerve to torture us like this.

“Hello…” I set the timer of my watch and waited, “my…” I looked at the ceiling, tapping my heels against the floor, counting. I cursed the person’s bright idea to put students in her class first thing in the morning, “...dear…” I tapped my fingers, frowning at the chipped corner of my blue shimmering nail polish. “children.”

“Fifteen seconds! Do you think if we fed her coffee, she’d go any faster?”

Tia chuckled. “Careful. We won’t be able to keep up with her.”

We stifled our laughter before the teacher noticed us. A reprimand would only serve to delay us even more.

As the lesson started, I tried to focus since I loved historical facts and peculiar events, but the pauses were so annoying I soon turned to observing my classmates.

Tia scribbled hearts around the lead singer band boy’s name in her notebook, Alicia made origami animals and the boys on the right wing had given up to sleep.

“Wake up, class’s over.” Tia nudged me.

Yawning, I pulled my eyes away from the window and started gathering my spotless notebook and well-sharpened pencils.

We shuffled off to Language and Science.

“Good morning, everyone!” Professor Lee said with his rich voice, winking at us when we entered the familiar room with the artistically decorated walls with scripts and famous sayings. Just like every time, I tried to decipher the meaning of a language I didn’t know.

“Next week, when your power is revealed, we’ll be able to advance in other languages.” Professor Lee rubbed his palms together, his smile complimenting his shapely jaw. Young he might be, but it was easily overlooked in light of his lively manner of teaching.

Everyone shifted in their seats, their impatience growing. Looking at the empty seats, I tapped my pen on my notebook, wondering when my turn would come. My birthday was next week on the first day of spring, but the transformation could occur any time after.

Whenever a classmate got their powers, they advanced to an appropriate class, matching their new self. So far, ten boys and two girls had left us.

Professor Lee attacked the board with viciousness, leaving shapely letters in his wake, then pivoted, his chestnut hair an ocean of brown you could happily get lost in for days, waving over his shoulders, pointing at Lena, our goth girl.

“Miss Goldington, think fast! What’s the common theme in Brook's poetry?”

Lena rolled her eyes and twirled a blond lock around her finger. “Love is the common theme of her poetry.” She huffed and adjusted her black shirt better, revealing the silver dove on her shoulder. It was no secret Lena’s distaste for anything concerning love.

“I saw her with Kei, yesterday.” Tia nodded at me with wide eyes. “The kitsune guy is so intelligent and handsome. So not her type, though.”

While copying the board’s notes, I glanced at Lena, who wrote feverishly, her charm bracelets jingled on her wrists.

“We’ll find out tonight.” I lowered my pen and started rubbing the red spot on my pinky finger. They sprung out like weeds when I applied too much pressure on paper.

The soft breeze blowing from the window diverted my attention and I smiled, thinking that in just a few hours I would be at Lena’s, enjoying sparkling sodas and elaborate jokes.

Break time roused us from the lethargy that often accompanied our lessons. I could daydream all I wanted while eating the delicious vegetables rolls and rice on the side. Students chatted animatedly, planning afternoon activities and weekend ideas. Cats leaped from behind the bushes and birds descended from their hidden spots to beg for bread crumbs and chicken bits.

“Show offs!” Lena snorted.

Giggles wafted in the air accompanied by the shuffled padding of hurried footsteps. The students that had been selected graced us with their presence at least once per day, demonstrating their talents in a manner that spoke volumes.

A boy in a spiky hairdo formed a ball of water and shot it to the pink-haired girl who turned it into a rock and the game continued until all elementals had had their fun.

At first, it was interesting to watch what they could do, but it was becoming ridiculous. Since growing up with Jay, I was accustomed to such behaviors, so I didn’t bat an eyelid at their lame peacock techniques and made sure to keep away from fire wielders—things tended to escalate quickly around them.

“This day is dragging so much!” Tia exclaimed. “Let’s lighten the mood.” She put her phone on the table, turned up the sound and Break My Heart blared from the speakers, which encouraged the wielders to commence the more dangerous circus tricks.

I focused on the fast notes the phone emitted, ignoring the hoots and claps behind me. “Can’t see what all the fuss is about. It’s all honey and sweet notes.” I shrugged and rose with the rest of the girls, the bell echoing in our ears. I sighed when I looked at the flowers blooming, branching out of each one a small painting of pinkish and red, beckoning us to stay.

“Yeah, turn on some metal rock, throw on some black clothing and get rolling.” Lena, playing air guitar, shook her body, hopping up the stairs to our classroom.

“Are you ready for tonight?” Lena tapped my shoulder while we endured math as our last lesson for the day.

“Of course. I got you something special.”

“Aww. I’m hoping for something dark.” Lena faked a hurt face when Mrs. Donna, nicknamed “Crazy Mermaid” because of her hot pink hair run down by blue highlights, gave her a scolding.

We stayed silent for the rest of the hour, enduring math equations and divisions. Mrs. Donna wasn’t known for her sense of humor.

When the bell announced our freedom, we raced down the stairs until we reached the gate. Chattering about trivial things, our conversation returned to the afternoon gathering.

The students coming out of the school shouted in joy, running to the streets, full of people rushing to complete their errands or shopping.

I didn’t realize we arrived at the flower beds surrounding the City Hall until my nose twitched at the intoxicating aroma of groomed roses, smelling of wine and romance, forming birds and playful kitties.

Tia jumped in front of us, held her hand over her chest, chin up and announced in a deep voice, “This is our stop, brave amazons!” Her dark braided hair slithered around her shoulders, the sun fighting to penetrate the thick Rapunzel mane.

Laughing, we exchanged our goodbyes, and I took the left curve, the rocky path peppered with the shyly blooming magnolia trees. The sun offered a soft caress on my face as I walked. The shadows blinked, playing hide and seek.

My smile faded at the thought of my birthday. Usually, I was looking forward to celebrating with my friends, but this year, everything would be different. A big change was coming, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted it.

Absent-mindedly, I traced the tattoo on my shoulder blade. A nightingale.

Every girl was born with a bird tattoo on her shoulder. It provided us with a shield from wicked powers until the moment our gifts were bestowed upon us. After the Selection, the bird disappeared.

When I was little, my grandmother used to tell me fascinating tales where birds came alive to save the bearer, but I wasn’t sure I believed them now.

Our town was decently peaceful, with only the occasional bar fight or looting, but when most of the population comprised wild animals, there was only so much we could do. Yet, there was talk about rogue shifters rising and the people had become jittery, avoiding to walk during the night, barricading themselves in their houses and looking over their shoulders. I just hoped it was a passing madness.

“I’m home!” I shuffled my feet on the wooden floor and fanned the air with my hand as the sudden wave of heat blew around me.

“Hey, sis. How was your day?” My older brother, sitting at the dining room table, lowered his spoon and grinned at me.

Jay’s sandy blond hair our mom was so proud of stood tousled, dusted with ashes, and smelling like hot metal. His grey eyes the color of clouds on rainy days lit up when he flashed his silly grin.

Touching a finger to his plate, a flame appeared, and the cucumber soup steamed.

“How can you eat that?” I pinched the bridge of my nose, shuddering. “And why do you need to heat it up more? It will reach wild temperatures if you keep this up.”

As a fire wielder, my brother had the gift of fire. However, his careless nature prevented him from considering the consequences and, as such, he often set things on fire.

“You’re right.” He blinked as he realized just now his bowl was glowing like it was in a kiln. He chuckled and scooped up a green goopy spoonful.

“My day was fine, but it will be even better later.” I grinned and grabbed the piece of bread and started picking at it. “How about yours?”

“Eventful as usual.”

Jay worked at the factory, fueling the machines and appliances, which transported the energy to our town. He made it out like it was no big deal, but I had the false impression the factory was a place of wonders. I never told him it was fascinating or he would tease me endlessly.

“The main generator caught fire because of someone’s rookie mistake.”

That explains the smell.

Flipping his hand, he mimicked the way the flames caught fire. “It was pretty cool.”

“Cool? People could have been hurt!”

Jay shrugged and finished his dish. “They’re fire wielders, K and know how to take care of themselves. Besides, they only got some bruises. Water wielders and healers rushed in immediately, just like every other time.” He rolled his eyes. “No harm done, so don’t be such a nervous Nellie.” Jay brushed the crumbs off his pants and rose with a cookie in his hand. “Just something to break the monotony. I have to get back to work. See ya!”

He left, and I shook my head at his insensibility. Why do I even try? He finds anything fiery, cool. A house burning up would be the highlight of the century.

I winced when I took the hot bowl and the empty glass from the table, careful not to touch the green slime. The kitchen was a relief after the oven temperature of the living room. As a fire wielder, Jay heated the room with just his presence. After placing Jay’s dishes into the dishwasher, I grabbed a bunch of crackers to stave off my hunger until I got to Lena’s house. There was bound to be an assortment of food and drinks, enough to feed an army.

Instead of studying at our own houses, where we each had our own distractions to contend with, we gathered at Lena’s house. Both her parents were wild shifters who favored open spaces, so they lived in a two-story bamboo house. It was warm on chilly winter nights and offered relief from the hot summer days.

“I guess Mom is still at the hospital cleaning up after the factory accident,” I muttered. Whatever Jay said, I was certain he downplayed it.

My eyes widened at the mess of crumbs and spilled soup on the kitchen table. I stomped my foot down, blood pounding in my ears as I attacked the tablecloth with a rag. “Jay!”

I proceeded to the bathroom and relieved the laundry basket from its burden, along with the dirty tablecloth, putting the washing machine to work. Walking around the house, I dusted, swept, mopped and did the rest of the chores Mom had assigned me to kill time.

When finished, I lay on the worn-out couch with a copy of Basics of Healing Mom had given me so I could get started.

Staring at the healing moves illustrated on the page, I let out a deep sigh. My head moved up at the painting decorating the wall. The woman sitting on the grass gave me a sweet smile, healing a wounded deer. She looked so peaceful.

“I’m sure you had no trouble learning anything.” I leaned on the book but couldn’t understand anything. Just looking at the words confused me like I was looking at a blurred scene from a spyglass, separating me from the knowledge. I slumped onto the couch, giving up the effort.

I jumped at the sharp beeping sound and sprung into action. I flew into the kitchen and took the pan from the oven containing the hot muffins I had in the oven earlier. I knew the basics of cooking, but muffins were my specialty. Double chocolate, vanilla with pieces of orange, bits of lemon, dried fruits… I could do any combination that crossed my mind. This time, it was vanilla filled with chocolate smarties, just like Lena loved. They melted in your mouth.

“I do hope you turn out splendid, just like every time.” I placed the muffins in a paper bag and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower.

The water revitalized me and I emerged fresher, smelling like my favorite jasmine shampoo and ready to show off some killer dancing moves.

Opening my closet, I rummaged through pink dresses (too girly), flowery summer dresses (not appropriate) and finally came to a single black dress. (Just right!) I paired it with striped black and purple socks and a black cardigan dotted with silver stars in case of an unexpected chill. Orange shimmering shadow and purple eyeliner for my dull eyes and a swipe of pink lipstick.

“That’s as good as it can get.” I pinched my cheeks for color and nodded at my reflection. Reciting a kid song, I tapped on the five colorful perfume bottles and when I uttered the last word, my finger stood on the white bottle. “Jasmine it is.” I sprayed my neck and wrists, ruffled my hair, and marched out.

I took two steps down the wooden stairs before darting back into my room again. “The gift!” The black package sat innocently on the corner of my oak desk, waiting for me.

“Are you sure you’re going to study with that outfit?” My mother came into the house with dark circles around her eyes, still wearing scrubs. My baby brother constantly squabbled in her arms, speaking incomprehensible words.

“First, we’re going to study and then we’re celebrating Lena’s birthday.”

My mother gave me a knowing look. “It would be interesting to have her as a healer. Her style contradicts the uniform aspect we all should have. Maybe she’ll end up a shifter like her parents.”

Lena abandoning her style? That’s when the world will end.

My mother disappeared into the kitchen, and I took the streets to Lena’s house with my troubling thoughts.

Colorful flowers poked out their little heads, greeting the slight breeze that carried butterflies embellished with their flashy gowns, and the workaholic bees, from the forest. Magnolia and cherry trees hand in hand went to the ball, dressed up in white and pink invited the chirping birds and the quarreling squirrels on their fresh branches.

If Lena wasn’t cut out to be a healer, who was I meant to be?

With only six days left to my birthday, my agony didn’t let me sleep and the nagging question wrestled in my head. What if I didn’t turn into a healer? What if I turned into something else?

It had started as a simple fear that with every passing day escalated, and now more than ever, I feared what would happen when the time came. I wanted to turn as soon as possible, but at the same time, I didn’t.

My mother was so excited when she spoke of her Selection I didn’t dare speak of my fears.

When the bamboo houses came into view, I smiled. The bamboo residences sang when the wind whistled past them. A woman appeared barefoot on the path, waved at me and wearing her clogs, she walked on the wooden platform over the humming lake to her house.

This area was reserved only to the shifters, who preferred this kind of lifestyle and usually, they were empty aside from some necessary items they needed to live. Connected with their inner animal, they enjoyed the simplicity of nature rather than deal with human affairs.

My mother’s words resurfaced, begging for the answers I loathed, and I pushed them away. “It’s all in my head,” I mumbled as the bushes with the white buds surrounding Lena’s house came into view. “I’ll become a healer and that’s it.” I took a deep breath, focusing on the present, and knocked.

“Hiya girl! Come in, come in.” Lena opened the door, her eyes sparkling with adventure, and beckoned me in. “Now the set is complete.” Lena winked, and I followed her upstairs to the oak stairs gleaming in the light and into the spacious living room where the girls had laid out books and studying essentials.

Unlike the ground floor, that was empty of any objects apart from a table, a couch and bare white walls, the first floor screamed of opulence.

Books squeezed in big shiny bookcases, arranged by color. Paintings featuring valleys of flowers, sunsets, and stormy weather fought for a place on the wall, and ebony furniture—Lena’s personal touch—put a gloomy tone into the otherwise orange room with the many windows.

“Hey!” I beamed at the company of girls dressed in their ruffled dresses, complimenting their legs, bright necklaces hanging around their necks. Exchanging chit chat, I settled into a cushion next to Tia, pulling out my books and notebooks, waiting to be filled with notes.

“Let’s get this nonsense over with so the real fun can begin.” Lena rolled her prominent blue eyes, the only bright thing on her face, and sat heavily on the cushion.

She gave out a dark vibe with her black dress, goth lace-up boots, and makeup, but deep down, she had a gentle heart. It took me a while to see past all the darkness since she dressed in a similar manner every day, but eventually, we became good friends.

“Poetry is easy,” Cara pipped.

Lena grimaced, sticking her tongue out. “Sure. Nothing but love, love and oh, love!” Lena fluttered her lashes, and we giggled.

“Come on, I came here for a party, not endless lessons.” I tapped my fingernail on the glass table, chuckling.

We dove into the analysis of a hopeless romantic in search of his one true love. Exchanging opinions and ideas, we studied piles of homework until we finished at roughly eight o’clock, leaving us enough time to celebrate, but not as much as we would have liked.

“That doesn’t leave us much time,” Lena pouted and walked to the music player. “Don’t worry, I put a wide selection, including your swooning band lover.” She hummed, clicking the buttons, and the music blared from the speakers.

Tia squealed, making us jump. “Dan is so amazing!”

“We heard.” Alicia came from the kitchen carrying a platter with different chip flavors, biscuits, and finger food. She bent over the small table, placing the overfilled dishes down with agility and precision.

“Save the tomato cheese for me or I’ll murder you!” She glared as she straightened up, ruffling the kaleidoscope of her honey hair.

“That’s not the attitude of a healer.” I spotted the bowl with my favorite treats and brought it in front of me. Dipping the crispy chips in the melted cheddar, I relished the soft flavor. “Mmm…”

When I lifted my eyes, Alicia had returned with more reinforcements and more demands.

“I’m not a healer yet, and I can swear all I want,” she fired back. Alicia set the platters down and pointed to more bowls, her tongue flitting across her rosy lips, matching the porcelain dolls I used to have as a child. “Tuna sandwich from this one and chocolate cake from the other.”

“You thief! We won’t be getting anything good.” Catherine looked at her with pleading eyes. She was the only girl with brown skin in our group who got pink highlights for her birthday and loved chocolate more than anything in the world. Well, except maybe cute boys.

“Next time, get your hide in there to help, young lady.” Alicia stood upright, hands firmly locked on her hips. Despite her serious expression, a smile peeked from the corners of her full lips. “Besides, all that chocolate can’t be good for you. Prom isn’t that far off, so I’m keeping an eye out for you.”

Catherine stuck her tongue at her and inhaled a chunk of chocolate brownie, patting her belly. “I’ll find someone who shares my love for sweet things. Simple.”

When Alicia brought the sodas, she finally sat among us, attacking the contents of her dish with the agility of a leopard.

Waiting for Lena, we chatted, joked, and munched the food, teasing Catherine about her chocolate-filled mouth.

Fruity drinks flowed, food changed hands so fast it was a miracle the plates didn’t shatter and music boomed. Since Lena’s house was isolated from her neighbors, we weren’t concerned about any potential noise complaints. Swaying to the musical beats, we had the time of our lives.

Pushing away the thoughts and my fears for the Selection, I focused on the now and enjoyed the night with my girlfriends like any other party before it. This was the time for dreams.

“Time for presents,” Tia exclaimed when the clock struck ten.

We gathered in a circle around Lena, and one by one, we delivered our presents.

Lena unwrapped Tia’s present first, which turned out to be a set of pale pink and blue necklaces. She forced a smile on her lips, passing the beads around her neck.

I blinked when I detected a shadow cross over Lena’s face, but it left so quickly I blamed it on her dark makeup. As I watched her twirl, playing with the necklaces like she was some rich lady, I thought Lena would never wear them—something Tia chose to ignore.

Catherine gave her a white dress, typical wear of a healer, and Alicia’s gift was pale violet ribbons.

Looking at the others’ gifts, I chewed my lip. I should have thought of bringing Lena something more appropriate to her future job, but my mind was set on our friendship and what would please her the most. I gave her the black package wrapped with the white ribbon and Lena opened it. A moment of silence dragged until she squealed a high-pitched cry.

“That’s so perfect!” Holding the makeup palette, she twirled, hopping in the air like she suddenly obtained wings. Picking a small brush from the compartment, she applied the purple shimmering shadow on one eye and grinned her imperfect smile. “You never fail to impress.” She winked her newly brightly hued eye makeup and hopped to the kitchen, returning with the black and blue striped cake. I wasn’t surprised by her choice. It was so Lena.

“Happy birthday, Lena!”

We raised our glasses and as they chimed against each other, I wished for our friendship to hold through the trial. The cake was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten, despite its odd appearance. Double chocolate, vanilla and orange syrup spilling from its guts.

“There’s one last muffin.” Catherine held the muffin with the chocolate smarties peeking through the bottom like it was a prize. “It shouldn’t go to waste.”

“Of course not.” Lena grabbed it from her hand and it disappeared down her mouth.

“Hey!” Catherine yelled, punching Lena’s arm.

“The birthday girl gets the last piece,” Lena said between bites. “So sublime. Feel free to drop them off whenever you need a taster, Kyara.”

I almost choked on my lemonade. “So I can feed you my poisons?” I laughed, wiping the residue off my mouth.

“It’s best if we head off now.” Alicia’s motherly tone cut through the jolly atmosphere. She piled up the dishes and rose, shrugging off our glares. “We’ve got school tomorrow.”

We groaned. Shuffling our feet, we helped clear the table.

“Kyara’s birthday is next.” Lena winked at me and I pressed my lips to what I hoped was a smile. My heart plummeted in my chest, blood rushing in my ears as the reality hit me. My birthday was in six days.

"It 'll be the best!" Tia grabbed her jacket and handed the rest of our coats.

Absent-mindedly, I pushed my arm until I realized I was trying to pass my arm through the hood. After putting the right parts in my cardigan, I joined the others at the door.

“Careful on the road. Hurry home and stick to the light.”

“Goodnight!” Our voices came as one and we walked on the cobblestones, glowing brightly through the moon’s pale light.

“I wish we could have stayed longer. It was so fun,” Catherine said, sighing. “I wonder if Lena will come to school tomorrow. After all, her Selection is bound to come between today and this week. Maybe she’s lucky, and it happens tonight.”

“Don’t be so certain.” Alicia piped in, she always knew the hot gossip on the matter. “I’ve heard of a girl who had her Selection come a month after her birthday. Can you imagine the agony?”

“How horrible!” Tia tightened the scarf around her neck, fumbling in her pockets for gloves. She never left home without them, even in spring. “Brr! This weather is crazy. In the morning, it seemed like summer and only the cold drinks missed and now it’s deep winter. Why is it so cold? I can’t wait to go home to my warm and cozy fireplace.”

I listened to the girls’ chatter but offered only brief nods in response. The street lights blinked at the crossroads when we arrived.

“They need to fix these lights.” Tia shook her head and waved with a gloved hand. “See you tomorrow.” Her hunched figure ran, vanishing into the night.

“Will you be alright? You have a long way ahead of you.” Alicia frowned at the dimly lit road with the flickering road lamps.

Of the five, I lived closer to the school but the furthest away from my friends. I didn’t mind walking though because I enjoyed being surrounded by nature even though on chilly winter nights, I cursed like a drunk panther.

“I’ll be fine.” I willed my feet to move and took the dark path. The blinking was annoying, but created the illusion of a puppet show in the woods. Now you see the owl, now you don’t. Flowers blooming during the night seemed more enchanting and alluring than the innocent lilies of the daylight.

Spotting the nest tree, I relaxed my tense shoulders. This particular tree marked that I had covered half the distance. This magnolia tree was the oldest and yet, birds still entrusted their nests into its old branches. There were so many nests crammed in there that we named it after them. I exhaled and my breath came out as a frozen puff in the air and I laughed, thinking of Tia’s reaction.

My laugh turned into a muffled scream when the howling—grinding, cutting mercilessly through bone—rang in my ears. I took off running.

Our land was safe until nightfall. That’s when the hunters woke up and the inner instincts defied their sane logic.

My feet burned inside my boots, and my pulse vibrated in my wrists. I ran faster, glancing behind my back, banging my knee on our fence. Hopping on one foot, I winced but raced to the house, my leg tingling.