I ignored all the choosing that began happening, the names getting called out as the men wrote the names of their first picks on pieces of paper.
The first round of choices was read out. My name wasn’t said once. I was okay with that, but my mother looked heartbroken.
The double ups had to barter coin, land, and goods to win the woman they wanted.
Perfect Portia’s family got another farm, some coin, and even a mutual family agreement on first baby names.
The ceremony had only just begun when a loud bell rang through the village. I froze. I knew that bell.
“The alphas! The alphas are coming!” one of the military men on security screamed down from the watch tower, ringing the bell that signaled the alphas’ presence.
I scanned the crowd for my mom and dad as Lucas ran over. Everyone was
