Forcefully Mated to Him

The frigid air whipped around me, stinging my cheeks as I squinted into the oppressive darkness. My heels, now clutched in my hand, were a painful reminder of the celebration that had gone so horribly wrong. Just moments ago, the house had been filled with laughter, my younger sister preparing for her first shift, hoping for a suitor.

Then, a deafening crash. Wolves dropped like flies. My brother, his face grim, shoved me out the door, yelling for me to run.

Now, alone and terrified, the sudden snap of a twig behind me sent a jolt of pure panic through my veins. The moon was cloaked, blinding me. I turned and ran, not daring to call out, pushing myself faster, harder. The pounding of another's feet echoed my own frantic heartbeat. This wasn't a nightmare. It was really happening.