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.

know I’m going to be sent home,” I said.

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

inside.

you,”

her too.”

could still reach out to her, if you wanted. Even after we’re gone. I’m sure she’d

you

hard. His gaze fell to the ground. That wouldn’t be appropriate, I’d be duty bound to both the throne and whichever woman becomes

of hurt sliced in between my ribs. I

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

me sideways

glanced in our direction His face immediately hardened and he

glared.

aa

warned me about Julian being a playboy, but he

showed Lena your broken bow.” Julian said, snaring

“What?”

did it, il she hadn’t ordered it herself. I made my intentions clear to her, though, so you shouldn’t have too

trouble from her for now.

words sat heavy on me. “What

her plans to sabotage you, Piper,

plans to sabotage

tone was so casual, so flippant, it sent a chill up my spine.

on his face? I was

my enemy.

begun to inch closer. “I better head. them off or they will come over here.” He

too many hearts,” I called after

he

Silver’s fur as!

again left alone with my thoughts. I continued to stroke Silver’s considered that this might be my true last night of fun. The elimination ceremony was only a few nights away, with not

what you are used to. The novelty