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?"

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

whole world?" Elva asked.

and squirmed. When she pulled away, she wasn't nearly as clinging anymore. Not that I had

deck, I made sure to grab her

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

wasn't going to try

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

nodded and hurried forward. I stayed at the bar area, waiting for a servant. Instead, Nicholas came out the door. His gaze

not angry. I had no idea what that meant for

all that transpired. He wished me to convey to

Ambassador Zale, but this wasn't what I wanted to hear right now. I waved

The merfolk queen insisted he be held accountable for this action, and all those previous that he had not been held to count

thrilled to hear that he had gotten away with such acts in the past,

criminal for the merfolk, but apparently is rather well liked. Handsome and popular, Ambassador Zale

frowned. "His cause this time

on 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

keep Ronan confined in the first place, but perhaps that was all

offer," Nicholas said. "Having more forces to watch our island from the water will only suit to help keep

both looked over in time to see all the

at Nicholas, it faded when I realized he