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

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

his voice, despite the

That made sense. And he was right. I could feel the chill in the depths of

much longer, I might not make it

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

“Please help… me.

my waist, he helped me to my feet. I

together to the door.

at us

Queen will hear of this,” Lena said behind

and I was too tired to do much else

me all the way to my bedroom, where my maids

A shot of panic

room, which faces the other side of the building.” Nicholas said.

quard.”

washed away the fear quickly. Too

plopped down onto the side

to remain

your maids,”

before he

know why I said them. Maybe it was lingering fear.

tired to hold myself back from

way, I couldn’t take it

the fire in his eyes softened to a

the door, then back to me. “I