The Luna Choosing Game

I desperately tried to memorize all that I could from this moment.

Nicholas being sweet with Elva as he lifted her up off of Night. Night licked at her face and she giggled.

event

Julian had been so kind to me, making me laugh even though I had fully intended on sitting here quietly

and alone.

Silver,

so relaxed and protective, head resting in my lap.

Near the end of the night, Elva fell asleep in Nicholas’s arms. Mark took her from him to carry her back

to my room.

Most of the other girls had retired by now. The stars were bright in the sky, and the hour was late.

Nicholas approached me and asked, “May I walk you back to your room?”

He pushed, my chair for me through the palace toward an elevator in the back. It was tucked out of the way, but helpful for situations like these. Nicholas said the servants used it to bring heavy loads up and

down the stairs.

Outside of my room, we hesitated. Now was the time to say goodbye. Neither of us said it.

“The next time we see each other

likely be at the elimination,” he said…

That was true. Though we would be under the same roof, the royal family only interacted with the girls during specific scheduled events, none of which had been arranged for the next couple of days.

both know I’m going to

basically confirming my assumption. I nodded, expecting it, yet oddly, I still felt a bit sad

inside.

miss you,”

her too.”

still reach out to her, if you wanted. Even after

you

That wouldn’t be appropriate, I’d be duty bound to both the throne and whichever woman

pang of hurt sliced in between my ribs. I understood, of

I said. “T’m just not what you are used to. The novelty of me

sideways Tm not so sure”

him out in the field, Nicholas glanced in

glared.

aa

me about Julian being

Lena your broken bow.” Julian said, snaring my full attention.

“What?”

any knowledge of the clear sabotage, but I have no doubt she at least knew who did it, il she hadn’t ordered it herself. I made my intentions clear to her, though, so you

her

words sat heavy on me. “What are

have her plans to sabotage

to

flippant, it sent a chill up my

with a smile on his face? I was relieved, in this case, that he was on

my enemy.

of girls who had begun to inch closer. “I better head. them off or they will come over here.” He hopped to his feet. “Always a delight, Piper.”

hearts,” I called after him.

correct amount,” he replied.

Silver’s fur as!

that this might be my true last night of fun. The elimination ceremony was only a few nights away, with not much planned

I said. “I’m just not what you are used to. The novelty