Chapter 3 3

Sloane

My stomach grumbled loudly but not as loud as the wails of my brother. He was hungry and I hated that. I hated that ever since that day in the woods I couldn't bring myself to go back into the forest.

It meant we ate nothing but bread, I managed to trade some of my mothers art for milk to mix with it for him but it wasn't enough. It wasn't nearly enough and I knew it.

If I didn't do something soon then my brother would die. It wasn't like my father would do anything to help. He had slipped even further into depression and alcohol now.

"He's hungry Sloane."

"I know." I couldn't meet my elderly neighbours eye. She was at least eighty and struggling as much as I was but she was always willing to help. Especially since my mother had passed.

"Your father is a drunkard." She seethed from her place by our fire. It was only glowing embers but it would keep her and Dillon warm enough if they stayed close to it.

"I know." I couldn't deny that so I didn't try to. "I will try and bring some food home from the choosing."

The lines around her eyes deepened as she squinted at me. "They find out you have stolen food and they will take your hand."

Again I sighed. "I know but what choice do I have? And I'll only take a little bit. They won't miss it."

"I want to pool my supplies with you Sloane."

I stared at her in shock. What she was offering was insanely generous and it would really help but I knew deep down that she didn't have enough for herself. Let alone enough to feed three extra mouths.

"That's kind of you Malli but I couldn't-"

"It wasn't a request ,Sloane. We are sharing supplies. That's the end of it. Now get out of here. You know they will be mad if you are even a second late." She bounded Dillon on her lap. "Me and this little man are just fine."

"Thank you." Again I reached for the door, only to pause again and glance over my shoulder at her. "If my father comes back drunk-" I began to say.

"Don't you worry about that child. I have my frying pan at the ready." She wiggled her eyebrows.

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "Thank you Malli. I shouldn't be back late."

I rushed into the falling snow. Shivering uncontrollably as the icy wind bit into my bare arms. Ever since I had lost my mothers shawl in the forest I hadn't managed to find anything to replace it.

It wasn't far to the long, low building the village used as a meeting place. Usually it was dark and hardly used but tonight it was lit up and festive.

The choosing. I remembered mine from last year. I remembered how awkward and nervous I had been. I could see the same looks on the girls faces who turned to greet me as I pushed open the door.

They were huddled together in their best dresses. Chatting nervously to their families who surrounded them. And waiting for the men to arrive. Which hadn't been yet so I wasn't late.

"Sloane."

I hurried over to the corner where the other unchosen were huddled. The youngest one must have been in her late forties. Well the youngest apart from me.

They turned confused eyes to me as I slid into their group.

"Sloane? Siennas daughter?" One asked, lifting her eyebrow. I wasn't surprised she knew my mother. My mother had been well liked in the village.

My father? Not so much?

I had a feeling her name was Gem. "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged. "Same as all of you would be my guess. Reporting for duty."

"But you're too young. You should be out there getting yourself a husband." She jerked her chin out in the direction of the other groups of gathered people.

"I wasn't chosen." It kind of hurt to even admit that out loud but it wasn't like it was a secret. Everyone already knew. "And Lana asked for me personally." I rolled my eyes.

A murmur went up. "Well that makes sense."

Lifting my eyebrow I waited for her to continue. "It does? I mean she's always kind of hated me but-"

"You were her betrothed first choice."

Her words hit me in the lower stomach and winded me. "I was?" I couldn't help it my eyes flicked in their direction. To where Lana was standing with her arm looped around his and her body almost draped over him. She glared at me when she saw me looking and I quickly averted my eyes.

"Yeah, you didn't know? He propositioned his father and well-" the woman's voice dropped down to a barely audible whisper. "Well he said no because you are-"

"So poor." I finished for her. "It's ok you can say it. I know what I am and I am ok with that."

My stomach rumbled at that moment and made me a lair.

"Would you have said yes?"

"If I had a choice?" Again my eyes travelled to the couple and I shivered. "No." Better to be poor and hungry than be the wife of that monster. "I would much rather spend my days as an old-" I faltered and a blush heated my cheeks. "I'm sorry I didn't mean that the way it came out."

She chuckled. "We know what we are as well Sloane, now go and get yourself cleaned up. Your hair is a bit of a mess and you don't want to give them any reason to punish you."

"I don't think she needs much of an excuse." I said.Shaking my head with a chuckle I slipped out of the hall and into one of the tiny indoor bathrooms. It was always a thrill to have inside plumbing. When I needed the toilet I had to do the run to one of the communal toilets. Which always stunk.

I had barely began to close the door when a hand lashed out and stopped me. Forcing the door open Gentry stepped into the tiny space. I retreated quickly. Putting as much distance between me and him as the small cubicle would allow

"Gentry." I squeaked. "What are you doing here?" My back hit the wooden wall and I couldn't go any further.

Ignoring me completely he stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him. "The same thing you are." He crept closer. "I saw the way you were looking at me Sloane."

He was so close now that I could see his lips were chapped.

"I wasn't-" my words died as he reached for me. Curling one arm around my shoulders, he reached for my skirts with the other and began to drag them up over my knees.

Fear tightened my chest. It closed my throat. "I wasn't. I'm sorry but your mistaken."

"I don't think so." His face dropped to my throat and he latched his lips to the skin just below my ear.

Pushing at his shoulders , I drew back my hand and slapped him straight across his face. "You are wrong Gentry. I wasn't looking at you like that and you are betrothed to Lana."

Holding a hand to his red cheek , there was a moment where he looked shocked and then anger flooded his eyes.

"You dare to hit me?" He grabbed at me cruelly. Slamming me back against the wall so my head rebounded. My vision swam and blurred.

"I was going to be gentle with you, but I'm not now you little bitch." Roughly he tried to kick my legs apart.

I couldn't let this happen. I couldn't. Only a husband got to see under a woman's skirts, only-

A sinking feeling of dread flooded me. He was too strong. And he was mean as well. I didn't stand a chance. But I would fight anyway. Because if I gave up now then my life would be even worse than it was now.

From the other side of the door, back in the hall something crashed. Gentry froze as a scream went up.

But it was the deep gravelly voice that spoke after it that made my blood run cold. It was like no man's voice I had heard before. More a growl than anything else.

"Where is she?"