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?”

shock

alone, Piper. She can’t

thick in his voice, despite the determination hard

That made sense. And he was right. I

out here for much longer, I might not make

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

“Please help… me.

to my feet. I

together to the door.

Joseph both glared at

hear of this,” Lena said

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

way to my bedroom, where my maids waited with

Elva?” A shot of panic

Susie’s room, which faces the other side

quard.”

away the fear

reached the bed, I plopped down

even to

you in the care of your maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding

snatched his wrist before he could fully pull

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

hold myself back from what I really

way, I couldn’t take

to a warm glow. “You

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