The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0561

When she awoke from her brief nap, Elva stuck to me like glue. She kept looking up at me with her big, tearful eyes. For a day that began with such high hopes, we were both feeling the lows now. I took her hand and did not release, very aware that I had nearly lost the chance to be her mom.

If I had died, I wouldn't get to see her grow up into the strong, independent woman I knew she would become. I'd miss graduations and weddings and maybe grandchildren.

Even as we walked together toward the deck, I tugged her closer to me, afraid to let her go too far. If I was in danger, than so was she. Ronan was incensed. If he wanted revenge on me, he'd find it easier by attacking Elva.

Then, when I couldn't take the worry and the guilt at nearly dying anymore, I stopped, dropped to one knee, and pulled Elva into a tight hug again.

"I'm sorry I scared you, Elva," I whispered to her. Her tight fingers clawed hard at my shoulders. Was she afraid I would let go and leave her again? I wouldn't. I would never. Even in death, my spirit would stay with her, to watch and protect her.

"Mommy," Elva said, voice watery. Her tears sounded like they were coming back, though I suspected, except during her short nap, that they never really left.

"Your mom is tough, okay? I fought and fought, making certain that I would return back to you. And I promise you that I will do my best to stay with you for as long as I am able, okay?" Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

"Never leave, Mommy."

I pulled back enough to look into her eyes. How I wanted to make that promise. In a way, I could, I supposed. Though I wasn't certain she would understand it.

I gently rested my hand over her heart. "I'll always be here, Elva. Even if we're apart, I'm with you. Right here. Next to your heart."

Elva looked down. As I removed my hand, she placed her own where mine had been. "How do you fit in there?"

"Your heart is so

world?" Elva asked. She giggled

giggled and squirmed. When she pulled away, she wasn't nearly as clinging anymore.

walked onto the deck, I made sure to grab her a napkin and wipe up

of the deck. "Want to learn a new magic trick?" He held up a deck of cards. Elva looked

my eyes. I hoped he wasn't going to try to teach her to

I said and patted her back. "I'm going to ask a servant

I stayed at the bar area, waiting for a servant. Instead, Nicholas came out the door. His gaze panned

I had no idea what that meant for the conversation he'd just had with

with Ambassador Zale. He was incredibly apologetic for all that transpired. He wished me to convey to you his deepest regrets as well as good wishes to

but this wasn't what I wanted to hear right now. I waved away the concerns. "What did he say about Prince

in his quarters after the... incident at the event. The merfolk queen insisted he be held accountable for this action, and all those previous that he had not been held to

in the past, but at least he was facing some kind of

He's a wanted criminal for the merfolk, but apparently is rather well liked. Handsome and popular, Ambassador Zale said. That is

cause this

offered to send some of their own

couldn't keep Ronan confined in the first place, but perhaps that was all the more reason to

water will only suit to help keep you safe. I, of course, will

both looked over in time to see all the cards Julian had been holding flying through the air. Chaos. Delightful

As I looked at Nicholas, it faded when I realized he was frowning