Wards of the Waning Colossus

In darker not so distant times, monsters ruled the land. They hunted the dark. They swallowed villages whole. No village was safe. No traveler dared walk after dusk. Humanity lived in the shadow of fear-until the Colossus appeared, giants among the land who rose and drove the horrors back with their strength and shimmering magic.
In gratitude, The Choosing was born, a ritual of service and submission for the Colossus.
Each year, a handful of names are called. Most return home. Some do not. Much depends on which Colossus family presides-some take out of greed, others for duty alone. One thing is known, and it is the ancient Amdir, known for mercy above all, almost always return those they select, never bringing them away from the borders of the towns.
Galen, a quiet apothecary with a bad leg and a talent for calming brews, has lived a peaceful, unnoticed life, preferring to remain overlooked, and has always trusted in the mercy of the Colossus. He tends herbs, minds his work, and raises his ward, Lira-a girl prone to nightmares and fainting spells, one he would protect with his last breath. With his young ward, Lira, he dwells at the forest's edge, rising early to gather herbs and hoping each day passes as quietly as the last.
That is until The Choosing.
When Galen's name is called at The Choosing, he steels himself for sacrifice.
When Lira's is called moments later, his world unravels.
Reasons as to why they were chosen arise, and long kept secrets are soon revealed.