That night… I remember it all too well.
I knew I shouldn't have been out. After all, the Annual Purge, as the elders called it, was set to begin at any moment.
I'd even received a warning earlier that day. Her name was Lorelei, an elderly woman who lived alone in the forest. She was someone who had never had the chance to love or be loved, having survived that night years ago.
It seemed the Annual Purge had really done its work in harming humans. Us. Me…
"You stupid child!" she snapped, pointing a wrinkled finger at me. "You shouldn't be out tonight. It's the damn Annual Purge. Go home. Lock your doors. Hide!"
I think I just ignored her after that. I mean, why would I listen to a crazy woman who just passed by and immediately called me stupid?
Of course, I'm not.
But somehow, I appreciated her, for spending the last of her time in this world just to insult me.
Then again, I knew hiding wouldn't change anything anyway. To werewolves, humans are little more than prey. That's all. I'd even heard it was their right to claim lives, especially girls.
I could've stayed home, sure. But I refused. Because I knew that if they decided to end my life tonight, there was nothing I could do to stop it.
Frankly, I was right.
***
Afterwards, I finally reached the edge of our little village. From outside the restaurant, I could already hear the men's laughter and the clattering of glasses. But I could also hear the growls of wolves somewhere far away.
Still, I proceeded to work my night shift.
I was here now. And if this was my end, so be it. Besides, I was already alone. And, more importantly, broke.
I had nothing left to lose…
My heart quickened as I began to serve drinks to the men at the far end of the table. I could feel their eyes tracking my every move. Honestly, it made me feel like a little mouse cornered by a pack of wolves.
One of the men leaned back in his chair and studied me. "You look tired, sweetie. Long night?"
I just smiled at him as I set down their drinks. "Lots of work, not much rest."
"Hmmm." The man's eyes never left mine. "Not many girls would stay out this late, especially tonight. You know what happens during the Annual Purge, don't you?"
"I think I know enough," I said, meeting his gaze. "But I don't give a fuck."
The man chuckled. "Brave words for a foolish lady…"
Foolish? Again?
I just sighed. I knew they were testing me, but I knew better.
Another man leaned forward and asked, "Do you know her? Our Moon Goddess?"
I didn't know much about her, so I just shook my head.
The man smirked. "She's everything. And tonight, we'll honor her. If I were you, I'd run away now. The Annual Purge doesn't end just because the night does."
I swallowed hard and clutched the tray. "Thank you very much for the warning," I said, getting tired of this shit. "Anything else?"
I was about to leave when another man called out, "What's your name?"
Should I tell him? I paused, thinking for a moment. "Constansciandra…"
"Huh?"
I rolled my eyes. "Andra. Just Andra."
"Andra," he repeated, like he was tasting it. "Well then… don't wander too far."
***
By the end of my shift, I finally stepped outside. I was ready to make my way home, sleep peacefully, and forget everything. But before I could even take my first step, a hand grabbed my shoulder.
"Leaving so soon?"
I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. I immediately ran for my life, not knowing where I was going. I ducked into every alley I could find, hoping I could finally lose them. I tried to think of any way out, but it seemed there was nowhere to hide.
"You can't run forever!"
I ignored him and moved my legs faster. If I was going to die there, at least I wouldn't die easily. Fortunately, I stumbled into a narrow passageway. I really thought it was the way out, but then I found myself trapped between two walls.
I reached the end, punching the walls as if they would open for me, leading to another world.
They didn't.
My heart sank deeply as I heard slow footsteps from behind.
"Well, well… there you are," the lead hunter murmured, his silhouette stretching across the narrow exit. The others later emerged behind him.
I begged them to let me go. I didn't want any trouble. "Please…" I said, stepping away from them until I hit the wall. "No…"
But they didn't listen. Before I could even react, the two men lunged toward me. They grabbed my arms and pinned me against the wall. I tried to scream, but a hand immediately covered my lips. I struggled against their hold, but they were too strong.
"Shh," the lead hunter whispered, stepping closer. "Don't fight anymore. We're not your enemies…"
I couldn't understand what they were saying anymore. Tears began to fall as I tried to make sense of why this was happening. "Why me? What did I do?" I asked.
"Don't be afraid." The lead hunter's face softened slightly. "I assure you, you'll even thank us for this…"
I closed my eyes and thought of that one wish I wanted to come true. "Please, just kill me."
"Of course we won't." His words were probably meant to calm me. And somehow, they did, because I began to wonder how I could thank someone for hurting me.
Swiftly, he pulled a cloth from his pocket and pressed it over my mouth. It contained chemicals that immediately overwhelmed my senses. I could hardly breathe. My eyes blurred, and my ears began to ring.
"Sleep now, Andra…" someone murmured. "The night's still too long…"
The last thing I felt was hands lifting me off the ground, carrying me away from the only life I had ever known.
When I finally saw nothing, I whispered in the end, "Mom, Dad, Sarah, I'm finally home…"
Or so I thought.