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?”

were a shock to

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

in his voice, despite the

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

here for much longer, I might not make

no words came out at first. I tried

“Please help… me.

helped me to my feet. I leaned heavily into him

together to the door.

glared at us as

will hear of this,” Lena

too tired to do much

my bedroom, where my maids waited with

A shot of panic struck

faces the other side of the building.”

quard.”

washed away the fear quickly.

I plopped

to remain

care of your maids,” Nicholas

his wrist before he could fully

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

hold myself back from

couldn’t take

looked at me, the fire in his eyes softened to a warm glow. “You need to

back to me. “I will