The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0556

Bridget, Veronica, me, and Jessica lined up at the starting line in that order. By now the camera crews were ready and waiting. Many were dotted along with beach with a few others out in the boats around the designated racing area.

Nathan directed us where the path would be, showing us both on a map and through a sample runner: a local member of the staff who was a prolific swimmer. Nathan then asked us if we were comfortable we knew the route and we all said we were.

"Good luck, girls," Bridget said to the rest of us as we took our marks. "You're going to need it."

Veronica gave her a flat look in return. Jessica wasn't paying attention. It took everything in me not to glare. *She's trying to get into your head," Veronica whispered to me. "Ignore her."

I nodded. Veronica was right, of course. I needed to concentrate.

I tried my best to drown out Bridget's overconfident musings by focusing on my own abilities. Inside of me, Miracle was pacing, ready to assist.

Nathan readied the starter pistol then handed it to Nicholas to start the race.

I felt his concern and his affection in that

the starter pistol toward the

BANG.

of us darted forward. Sand kicked up behind our

neck. We all must have been tapping into our

rules. We had to maintain our human

could. Jessica began to lag behind. I couldn't turn

the right and we all hopped through the waves, before diving into the water. It had been a long time since I swam so diligently, so pressingly, as if my life depended on it. But I tapped into those memories now, of swimming in races and gym class at the Academy. I pushed myself to the edge, my muscles burning.

the water, even Veronica began

neck in neck

while I had to struggle. But I used that as motivation to draw from my deepest

couldn't let