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

he was right.

stayed out here for much

to speak, but no words came out at first.

“Please help… me.

waist, he helped me to my feet. I leaned

together to the door.

at us as we passed

will hear of

tired to do much else but follow

bedroom, where my maids waited

A shot of panic struck through

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

quard.”

fear quickly.

we reached the bed, I plopped

even to remain

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

he could

I

tired to hold myself back from what

I couldn’t take it

me, the fire in his eyes softened to a warm glow. “You need to change out

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