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

Piper. She can’t lose

voice, despite the determination

And he was right. I could

out here for much

out at first. I tried

“Please help… me.

to my feet. I leaned heavily into

together to the door.

and Joseph both glared at

Queen will hear of

ignored her, and I was too tired to do much else but

my bedroom, where my maids waited

of

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

quard.”

washed away the fear quickly. Too

plopped down onto

to

the care of your maids,”

his wrist before he could

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

to hold myself back from what I

I couldn’t take it

fire in his eyes softened to a warm glow. “You need to change out of those

then back to me. “I will return when you are