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?”

a shock

leave her alone, Piper. She can’t lose

in his voice, despite the

Elva. That made sense. And he was right. I could

I stayed out here for much longer,

speak, but no words came out at first. I tried again, and it

“Please help… me.

arms around my waist, he helped me to my feet. I

together to the door.

Joseph both glared at

Queen will hear of

her, and I was too tired to do much else but follow

bedroom, where my maids waited

Elva?” A shot of panic struck through

Susie’s room, which faces the other side of the

quard.”

washed away the fear quickly. Too

we reached the bed, I plopped

even to remain

in the care of your maids,” Nicholas

before he could fully pull away. “Don’t

out unbidden. I didn’t know why I said

back from what

way, I couldn’t take

in his eyes softened to a warm glow.

glanced at the door, then back to me.