The pack's excitement is already audible, and escalates to a howl as the pregnant human female is unveiled at my signal. The time of birth is almost at hand, and everyone is eager to share the sight of new life and new hope.
The woman is writhing in pain in her chains as the baby fights its way to the opening, as only one of our kind would. The pack cheers as the first spurts of thick, red blood fly in the air, signaling the birth of our newest pack member. The Lifegiver takes the cub in her hands and shows it to the wild crowd.
The pack is completely awed by the mystery of birth, but I've seen it too many times already in my lifetime. I remember that it was not always like this; the human carrier did not have to die, did not have to suffer, not at least to this extent.
As a part of me softens up a bit, I find myself feeling sad about the fate of the woman. Out of the corner of my eye I spy her face. Although the pain - and, not to fool myself, hatred - has distorted it, although she's bitten her teeth through her lower lip, her face shows no fear, as usual. I always respected her for that, ever since we took her captive. It is sad indeed that such a brave one has to die in this manner.
Suddenly, I'm shaken as I notice the woman staring back at me. Quickly I regain my apparent calmness and turn to face her properly. Her expression shows a slight curiosity behind all the pain. I take a deep breath and call upon the remnants of my powers to convey my thoughts to her, as well as to soothe her pains. She lowers her face a bit as her expression shifts from pain to surprise and reflection, then lifts it up again defiantly. "I still hate you, you know", she says. I nod ever so slightly, unable to turn my eyes away from hers. An incredible sadness flows over me, as I take the ceremonial blade and end her life.
I motion with my hand and the veil is shut again, leaving me alone with the woman. I kneel beside her, taste her blood, then my salty tears. I sit there for a moment, my mind blank. After a while, I hear the rustling of the fabric separating me from the rest; the chief has entered the room. "The pack is getting restless", he says, "we'd better give her to them now." I stand up, leaning on my staff, and face him, summoning all the authority I still hold within me. "No. This one is mine."