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 to my system.

alone, Piper. She

thick in his voice, despite the determination hard in his

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

I stayed out here for much

words came out at first. I tried again,

“Please help… me.

helped me to my feet. I leaned heavily

together to the door.

at us as we passed

Queen will hear of this,” Lena said behind

and I was too tired to do much else but

me all the way to my bedroom, where

of panic

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

quard.”

fear quickly.

plopped down onto the side of

even to remain

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

before he could fully pull away. “Don’t

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

back from what I really

couldn’t take it

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

back to me.