Chapter 32

Roxanne

I had everything planned perfectly. Climbing the village tower was easy. Listening to my parents calling out for me-gut-wrenching. I hardened my heart against their pleas because I knew I had to fulfill my destiny.

I hid beneath the shadowed eaves of the tower and watched as the brides lined up to await their fate. They couldn't help themselves. All the diatribe fed to us from birth made them think they played a special role in village life. They could not see the larger picture. Their life mattered for something bigger than a sacrifice they have no control over. I alone was not blind to the injustice of it all. I would sacrifice my life for theirs by killing the dragon.

I saw him approach and gave pause at his regal beauty. My mother had told me of their allure, so I thought I was immune to what came toward us. I was wrong, and for just a moment, I wondered if I could do it. My entire body shook with apprehension and I gripped the blade tighter. I would never back away from m