CHAPTER 3

HOW? How did I get chosen?

Of all the people, why me...? A voice repeatedly asked in my head as I took a few steps towards, fighting back the tears that were now threatening to fall. I felt Draven burning holes through my face as I walked past him but I kept my gaze on the ground, regretting every step I took before standing in front of the crowd, next to the four girls. 

Whispering and clapping filled the room as everyone congratulated us but at this point, I became absorbed and oblivious to the passage of time. I simply stood stiff in my position, my gaze remaining on the floor as I asked myself the same question over and over again. 

Why, why me? I was probably the only one who was dreading over the fact that I might get chosen, so why, Why couldn't it be anyone else?

"I'm sorry if the ceremony was rushed ladies, but as you know, Draven is a very impatient man."

I heard someone's voice before everyone laughed and chuckled, not even bothering to make a comment about his outburst earlier. 

It's like it never happened. There's never any consequences to their actions and that's exactly, why the vampires treat humans however they please.

"Enjoy the rest of the night." An unfamiliar voice said as I watched some people rush to the appetizer table while the rest kept congratulating the chosen girls, except me. 

No, nobody wanted to throw a word of praise at me after the little stunt I pulled.

"Thank you so much!" I heard the girls gloat as they hugged and grinned at the men and ladies who kept ranting on about how lucky they were. Normally, I would have broken down at this point, but somehow, I managed to pull myself together.

I wasn't strong like most of these girls were and I certainly wasn't brave, I'll admit that. However, I wasn't dumb or naive like most girls. I wasn't flattered when he chose me and I certainly will continue to feel this way. I wasn't honored to be able to attend this ceremony. The only thing I left and still feel is helpless. What if I hid in a safe place as soon as I entered, like I had planned to for the past two weeks? What if vampires didn't exist in the first place? What if I was stuck at one age without turning 18? Would things have turned out differently then? 

Hopeless questions kept pouring into my head and I closed my eyes shut before opening them and taking a deep breath, knowing that there was no use to get worked up anymore. 

What's done is done, now I have to figure out a way to escape without getting caught. 

I glanced at Draven and my eyes widened when I caught him staring at me, causing me to quickly avert my gaze back on the marble floor, my hands and body still shaking from everything that just happened.

I'll never see my mother or father again. The first thought

that popped into my head made me feel worse and I bit my bottom lip, trying my very best to keep on my expressionless mask as I straightened my posture. I can't anger him any more than I have.

"Miss Custodio" An unfamiliar voice called and I looked up to face a man in his mid-20's, who was now giving me the look of concern. "Why are you crying?" With these words, half the room grew silent and I stared at him in disbelief and confusion before realization hit me like waves. I reached up my fingers to touch my cheeks and sure enough, my fingertips felt the hot and wet sensation of burning tears.

"This-this is not what it looks like..." I trailed away, quickly brushing away my tears and I could hear whispering surfacing around the room as the intense atmosphere clouded around us even more.

"My young lady, are you not happy to have been chosen?" A lady asked and everyone was now either scowling or staring at me in disgust, undoubtedly not pleased with the fact that I was being ungrateful, as they like to put it.

"It's-it's not that, I'm-I'm happy but I-" I started stumbling on my words and I watched people shaking their heads in pity, including the girls standing next to me.

"I'm just-" Before I could finish, someone grabbed my wrist so hard, I winced in pain before he started dragging me outside and I stumbled myself forward as I scurried along. I could feel my hands trembling when I realized that it was none other than Draven Cruz himself, who was now remaining silent as he dragged me along but judging by the force he had on my wrist, I knew that he wasn't pleased at all.

"Wa-wait..." I barely choked out, trying to keep up with his fast pace as he walked out of the ballroom, not even bothering to turn around or slow down. Before I could open my mouth to apologize, he turned around and slammed my shoulders to the nearest wall and I winced in pain, looking up to face Draven who was now glaring down at me, his eyes completely filled with hatred and anger while mine were only full of plead.

"What the f- are you crying for?" He snapped, raising his voice and I shrunk back as I pressed my back even further against the wall, trying to come up with a response that wouldn't anger him.

"I'm-I'm sorry, I was scared." I stammered, and on cue, tears started rolling down my cheeks as I tried to swallow in the sob but it was no use. 

I was almost on the verge of breaking down and he was definitely pushing me to my limits. 

"What the hell makes you think I f-king care?!" He retorted, slamming his hands on either side of my neck on the wall, causing me to gasp and jolt up in my position before I pressed my lips together into a thin line. "I chose you because I wanted to. But don't you fucking dare test my patience!" He snapped and I nodded before an uncontrollable sob escaped through my lips which didn't seem to please Draven at all because his eyes turned a shade darker, if that was even possible.