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 to my system.

Piper. She

despite the determination

sense. And he was right. I

out here for much longer, I might not make

words came out at first. I tried again, and it came out a

“Please help… me.

he helped me to my feet. I leaned heavily into him

together to the door.

glared at us as

hear of this,” Lena said

and I was too tired to do

my bedroom, where my maids

A shot of panic struck through

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

quard.”

the fear quickly. Too

plopped down

to remain

the care of your maids,” Nicholas said, unwinding his

he could fully pull away.

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

back from what I really

I couldn’t take it

me, the fire in his eyes softened to a warm

back to me. “I will return