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?”

were a shock to

can’t leave her alone, Piper.

voice, despite the determination hard in

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

stayed out here for much longer,

to speak, but no words came out at first. I tried

“Please help… me.

waist, he helped me to my feet. I leaned heavily into him as we

together to the door.

and Joseph both glared at us as we

will hear of this,” Lena

and I was too tired to do

led me all the way to my bedroom,

of panic

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

quard.”

away the fear quickly.

bed, I plopped down onto

to remain

maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding his arm from

his wrist before he could fully pull away.

words came out unbidden. I didn’t know why I said them.

to hold myself back from what I

way, I couldn’t take

eyes softened to a warm

then back to me.