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?"

and I smiled at her. "Your heart is so big, Elva. It can

Elva asked. She giggled a

in for another hug. She giggled and squirmed. When she pulled away, she wasn't nearly

we walked onto the deck, I made sure to grab her a napkin

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

hoped he wasn't going to try to teach her to count

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

a servant. Instead, Nicholas came out the door. His gaze panned across the deck before landing on me. He walked over

face was stern but not angry. I had no idea what that meant for the conversation he'd just had with the merfolk

transpired. He wished me to convey to you his deepest

I wanted to hear right now. I waved away

The merfolk queen insisted

in the past, but at least

liked. Handsome and popular, Ambassador Zale said. That is typically

"His cause this time

reflex. "I know. Fortunately, Ambassador Zale and the Queen have offered to send some of their own security to our island to help protect the inhabitants from

these same security officers couldn't keep Ronan confined in the first place, but perhaps that was all the more reason to accept them. They could

watch our island from the water will only suit to help keep you safe. I, of course, will also be

Nicholas and I both looked over in time to see all the cards Julian had been

smile. As I looked at Nicholas, it faded when I