Mr. and Mrs. Cranshaw had been the mayors and on the council since Selene was born and were ridiculously old. She wasn’t even sure whether they aged anymore, just stayed old with wrinkling skin, gray hair, hunched backs, and annoyingly slow speech.

“Welcome.” Mrs. Cranshaw smiled. “To tonight’s choosing ceremony.” Everyone clapped as Selene fiddled with the strands on her sleeve, looking down.

“Tonight, we welcome back our offerings, thank them for their sacrifice, and reward ...