The Luna Choosing Game

“Maybe we should turn back,” Nicholas said.

“Too late now,” Julian said. “We’ve got to be sure.”

“I see light up there, Julian,” Nicholas said. “Dim the flashlight.”

Julian turned to the flashlight to the dimmest setting, and aimed it down at the ground. We had to move

slower than before, so as not to trip. She walked lightly to keep our footsteps from generating noise.

At the end of the tunnel, the walls abruptly stretched open into a room.

A room full of cages. A single tungsten bulb hung down from the ceiling, the only light in the room full of

shadows.

“What the —?” I began to say. Nicholas abruptly covered my mouth. He yanked me back into the

darkness of the tunnel. Julian followed at once, clicking off the flashlight.

A door on the far side of the room cracked open, and in walked Terry beside a man I had never seen

before a man dressed entirely in black with sallow cheeks and dark eyes.

–

you can see this room should offer the organization needs for their purposes,” Terry said

area for my own personal enjoyment in the past. These cages

a person’s spirit.”

said. With silent steps, he came closer

until my back was flat against his

but now I held my breath as well.

loudly I worried the strange, dangerous man

bearing fruit. Soon, I will have much to offer

man said. He peered into the darkness. I swear he looked right at me, but

eyes narrowed. “You would do well not to

back at Terry. “You may hold sway in the royal palace, Terry,

must still

“Ridiculous,” Terry snapped.

1/2

instant, there was a

learn your place

puffed out his chest. “You dare threaten

not a threat.” The man tilted his knife, catching it

underground controls all. This is your

we allow it.”

a muscle ticked in