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.

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

in the

you stay with Elva?”

“Yes.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

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

already waiting. They whispered as I entered, and I heard echoes

had already spread through the

family stood on a raised platform at the far side of the room. Nathan was among

nearest a microphone.

one would talk to me. At least, not until

concern filled

I explained what had happened, but how she

worried when I heard,” Susie said. “Thank God her

I agreed.

into

turned to

now, the hunt previously planned for today has been postponed. A

on inclement

a girl from

I had lost the

the barbecue, however one

far out of the

won the deal between her and Nicholas.

have predicted that tonight we will experience

moon.”

room. One of them came from