The Luna Choosing Game

“That does create a dilemma, doesn’t it?”

Julian picked up where I left off. The disappointed look had vanished now, replaced with an almost… pride? Impossible. He most likely just wanted more mischief.

If we let Piper go now, wouldn’t the public have questions?”

“What do we care for their questions?” The Queen tapped her spoon on the edge of her teacup. “When the final selections are chosen, Piper’s shortcomings will become obvious in comparison. No one will be

able to deny it.”

“Well said, dear.” The King turned in his chair to watch the television, dismissing the conversation totally.

Fury burned in my blood. Yet I was powerless. Ultimately, despite what everyone was told about this first elimination ceremony, the King and Queen made the final choices about who would go and who would

stay.

Rankings were arbitrary numbers that they would raise and lower to fit their vision.

The deck was stacked against Piper, no matter how well she had done in the actual events. And she had

done exceedingly well.

Beside me, Julian’s usual smile seemed tighter somehow. I still didn’t understand the relationship between Piper and him, or what he hoped to gain from it. Yet, in this instance, I could see him plotting. and I was grateful that it was likely in an effort to get Piper to stay.

of his reasoning, if he could discover a way to allow her to remain, I would

ways for the day. No

I accepted and

to maintain my rested heartrate. He would only

to guard Elva, any problem

“Elva ran away

tightened on the phone.

Mark added quickly. “But I thought you would

her to her mother at once.”

that requested patience. “She

twisted in my chest. “Give me

had only escaped so far as the garage. I found

she shouted, “Nick–lass!” and ran toward me

to one knee and opened my arms. I braced myself as she

strong embrace.

sniffled when she talked. “… finally… found