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 my

leave her alone, Piper.

despite the determination hard in his

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

much longer,

at

“Please help… me.

his arms around my waist, he helped me to

together to the door.

both glared at us as

Queen will hear of this,”

and I was too tired to do

all the way to my bedroom,

A shot of panic struck

which faces the other side of the building.” Nicholas said.

quard.”

washed away the fear quickly. Too quickly, probably.

we reached the bed, I plopped down onto the side

to remain

your maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding his arm

wrist before he could fully

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

to hold myself back from what

couldn’t

his eyes softened to

back to me. “I