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.

many others, was he able to

had healed. All except

explained to me that he was often able to suppress the pain. It didn’t always bother him. But when the cold set in,

many nights I 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,

the nightmares returned, with a new, different angle. Nicholas, a prince,

let on that I knew his injury pained him. Since he hated me now, he’d

want him to hurt himself

to

I

but

best.” Elva could be the most stubborn girl in the kingdom,

mind to it.

I tried to smile at Nicholas. His kindness and generosity were not lost on me. It wouldn’t hurt to make nice with

likes you,”

He seemed pleased with the words, though he didn’t offer any type of

he said, “She’ll be safe

“Thank you, Prince Nicholas.” I tried another smile. “I’ll try