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

can’t leave her alone, Piper. She can’t lose

despite the determination hard in

made sense. And he was right. I

much longer, I might not make

words came out at

“Please help… me.

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

together to the door.

glared at us as we passed

of

too tired to do much

to my bedroom, where

of

side of the building.” Nicholas said.

quard.”

away the fear quickly. Too

bed, I plopped down onto the side of

to remain

care of your maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding

snatched his wrist before he could fully

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

tired to hold myself back from what I really

way, I couldn’t take

to a warm glow. “You need to change out of

at the door, then back to