The Luna Choosing Game

When I awoke, I was surprised to find myself in my own bed, while the physician tended to Elva beside

1. me.

I looked around the room, but Nicholas was gone. I wondered how long he stayed. Likely not for very

long. He did dislike me, after all.

Still, he had been kind to stay at all, even with all the layers of hurt between us. He had been kind to me

last night, and I would not soon forget it.

I rose and dressed, and by the time I was done, the physician was ready to talk to me.

“She should have a full recovery. She will need to rest for a day or so. Her body is fatigued from fighting

off her illness so hard.”

I thanked her, though my relief did not fully squash my guilt. Elva had only been in danger at all because

of my inability to protect her. If I had stayed away from her until I was absolutely certain I was healed, she

might never have gotten sick.

The thoughts plagued me even after the physician exited the room. No sooner had she gone than Mark

entered.

“All of the girls are being summoned into the parlor room,” he said.

I knew, with the distinct lack of pitter–patter of rain against the window, that it was not storming outside.

would, as expected, end in failure. But at least Elva was safe for now, no

me in the days

with Elva?” I asked

“Yes.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

that reassurance, I left the room and made my way down to the parlor, where

already waiting. They whispered as I entered, and I

it, it seemed, had already spread through the

stood on a raised platform at the far side

nearest a microphone.

would talk to me. At least, not until Susie arrived. She rushed to

concern filled

what had happened, but how she is better now, Susie looked

I heard,” Susie

I agreed.

said into the

girls turned to

know by now, the hunt previously planned for today has been postponed. A bet had

dependent on

girl from

Since I had lost the bet, at the very least I

have to help arrange the barbecue, however one managed

far out of

has still won the deal between her and

even drizzling, the forecasters have predicted

moon.”

sounded around the room. One of them came from