The Luna Choosing Game

Footsteps sounded behind me. I turned to look, but my movements were sluggish. Nicholas was beside

me before I ever saw him arrive.

Something warm draped over my shoulders. I looked down and found a thick, waterproof coat wrapped

around me.

Come on. I’ll help you inside.” He took me by the elbows and began to lift me.

I weakly pushed him away. “No. I won’t give up.”

“Piper.”

I shook my head as fiercely as I could, until I was dizzy. “They want me to quit. I can’t give up.”

“To hell with them. Piper, look at me.” He touched my cheek with his palm and physically turned my face.

toward his.

I’m glad he did. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it on my own. I was so very tired.

His golden eyes were fierce, fiery with anger. Even the flecks of green burned like a forest fire.

Was he mad at me? Why? I had trouble thinking clearly. But I couldn’t give up. For Elva, I had to…

“Piper, who will take care of Elva if you get pneumonia and die?”

words were a shock to

leave her alone, Piper. She can’t lose you like

in his voice, despite the determination

was worried for Elva. That made sense. And he was right. I could feel the chill in

much longer, I might not make it

at first. I

“Please help… me.

helped me to my feet. I leaned heavily into

together to the door.

at us

hear of

tired to

way to my bedroom, where my maids

of panic

room, which faces the other side of the building.” Nicholas said. “Mark is

quard.”

washed away the fear quickly. Too

we reached the bed, I plopped down onto the

to remain

the care of your maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding his arm from around

his wrist before he could fully pull away.

came out unbidden. I didn’t know why I said them. Maybe it was lingering

to hold myself back from

couldn’t take

me, the fire in his eyes softened to a

the door, then back to me. “I will return when you