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 my system. Pneumonia?

her alone, Piper. She

voice, despite the determination hard in

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

I stayed out here for 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.

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

together to the door.

Joseph both glared at us as

will hear of

her, and I was too tired to do much else

me all the way to my bedroom,

shot of panic

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

quard.”

away the fear quickly.

reached the bed, I plopped down onto the side

even to

care of your maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding his

before he could

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

back from what I

couldn’t take

to

to