The Luna Choosing Game

Holding Elva, Nicholas winced as he bent his right wrist. He had tried to hide it, and maybe would have been successful if I had been anyone other than his ex–girlfriend.

He’d told me the story himself, when we had been dating.

Nicholas had excelled for his age. His werewolf abilities were some of the strongest in the entire

kingdom, even when he’d been a child.

Because of this, when a war had broken out in the north between the Werewolf Kingdom and the Bear

People, Nicholas had been sent to the front lines. He’d only been 11 at the time.

Though his talent was immense, he lacked the years of training that other soldiers had.

He fought hard and well. He felled many foes. But his inexperience too often led him into situations he

might have otherwise known to avoid.

Once, he followed an enemy deep behind their lines, and straight into a trap.

with the sacrifices of so many others, was he able to escape, but not without

time, most of the wounds had healed. All except

me that he was often able to suppress the pain. It didn’t always bother him. But when the cold set in, or it rained or snowed, the pain would flare up

had laid awake after hearing his story, imagining an 11 year old version of the boy I loved fighting in a shifter war. I had nightmares, imagining his fear, the pain he’d felt from his injuries, and the guilt he’d suffered every day, knowing others

nightmares returned, with a new, different angle. Nicholas, a prince, had been sent to war, Weren’t princes supposed

I knew his injury

want him to hurt himself

to our

I

Elve from him, but she buried her nose

probably be best.” Elva could be the most stubborn girl in the kingdom, when she put

mind to it.

left the infirmary and made our way back to my room, I tried to smile at Nicholas. His kindness

likes you,” I

girl had fallen asleep in his arms. He seemed pleased with the

be safe here. I will

say, other than, “Thank you, Prince Nicholas.” I tried another smile. “I’ll try to