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 to my

her alone, Piper. She can’t lose you like

voice, despite the determination hard in his

And he was right. I could feel

I stayed out here for much longer, I

out at first. I

“Please help… me.

helped me to my feet. I leaned heavily into

together to the door.

at us

of

and I was too tired to do

me all the way to my bedroom,

Elva?” A shot of panic struck through

which faces the other side of

quard.”

fear quickly. Too

the bed, I plopped down onto the side

to remain

maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding his arm

snatched his wrist before he could fully pull away.

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

myself back

I couldn’t take

softened to a warm glow. “You need

back to