Page 63 (2/2)

She lets out a soft little sob

“It is not too late to run, Tres You could go around the mountain, find the mushroom people on the other side They would take you, and Trelok would not dare come for you Many of our women who do not wish to be his bride run that way”

And ht and killed for the sin Trelok slays the in our earsThe last one who ran was not even a woman yet He killed her anyway

I shake er could destroy us all if he is denied ain, and I will be his bride forevermore”

“You are so brave,” she says “You always have been”

The ground ru azed at the rising rock peaks and wondered if it is possible for a woman to truly be promised to the land, but we come from the land, are , venting beast that lives in the mountain is asnot to shed tears

Tie ordinariness

I can s the potion I will drink before the sacrifice is made It purifies and sedates, so that any last moment attempts at escape or panic will be impossible

“I’m jealous of you, in a way,” Mira says, the soft swell of her belly bunant, as all brides of Trelok are “You will feel nothing after to that man”

Mira is one of the oldest woht This onewith her if she does not produce for hi with her, she will be sent to the very edges of the village where she will starve

Another roar and ruainst my skin

“This world cries for our blood,” Mira says ominously “Have you eaten? You er”