Sacrifice of the Wolf
by L. Shannon
After centuries of sacrifice, even an unwanted duty can become a way of life. How can Allaidh remember who she was and can be again after she is no longer needed for her self-imposed position? More importantly how can she show the man she has always adored that she is not who he believes, that she is worthy of his love?
Excerpt
Dion sat still, resting against the tree but his dark eyes glared at Acair in
disgust. “Look I know how you think she is but you’re wrong. No one, I repeat NO
ONE has sacrificed as much as she for our clan. Have you ever wondered why
she did what she did? Did you ever ask her?”
“She has always been a boy chaser. That’s just they way she is. I had
hoped she would grow out of it.”
“She and I have always been close. As far as I care she is and always will
be my sister. You know I have never touched her in any other way. It not only
would have felt wrong but it would have been wrong.”
“I did not accuse you of anything.”
“No, You just assumed I had used her like all the others. Are you ready to
know the truth?”
“Yes”
“That night she came to me in tears. She had gone to you, to give you the new bow she had carved. You and Athair were talking about the young boys and their, our need for sexual release. Do you remember those days when we all fought and it looked like we would have to re-enter the world. You and Athair both knew it was the wrong time to go back to men with the war raging like it was. You said you would do anything to find another way. Do you remember?”
“Yes, but I don’t see...”
“Because of your words, because of your fears, Allaidh provided that way. She told me her intentions that night and I tried to talk her out of it. She was still a virgin and had no idea what her plan would mean. To provide that kind of release to five men in their prime over the duration of who knew how many years.”
“Oh my god.”
“Yes. The next night she came to me again, this time her clothing torn and she bleeding. I held her until she fell asleep. I think I would have killed the one responsible if she’d told me who he was. She never did but tempers of all had
cooled by the end of the month. The peace was not worth all the tears she shed that first month. Or the alienation she now faces.”
“Alienation?”
“None of the others can see the real her, can remember her from before she shut her heart. They treat her as a toy that they have outgrown. Discarded, and no longer needed. Your lack of love and acceptance will hurt her the deepest. You of all of us should have see through the act to the reason.”
“But what can I do? She has left us.”
“Only you could have driven her away. I don’t know what you said or did but I do know only you will be able to bring her back.”
