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.

so many others, was he able to escape, but not

of the wounds had healed. All except for

pain. It didn’t always bother him. But when the cold set in, or it rained or snowed, the

fighting in a shifter war. I had nightmares, imagining his fear, the pain he’d felt from his injuries, and the guilt he’d

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

me, and I pulled my gaze away. I couldn’t let on that I knew his injury pained him.

him to hurt himself further by trying to hide

should get back to our room,”

I

take Elve from him, but she buried her

most stubborn girl in the kingdom, when she put

mind to it.

tried to smile at Nicholas. His kindness and generosity were

likes you,” I

in his arms. He seemed pleased with the words, though

moment, he said, “She’ll be safe here. I will see to

Prince Nicholas.” I tried another