The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0596

Veronica hung her head.

She left something out? Nicholas and I glanced at each other, before the Oracle spoke up once more, reclaiming our attention.

*For the volunteers it will be painful. Perhaps you've guessed as much. The sacrifice of life force, even that freely given, leaves it's toll. Knowing this, do you wish to persist?"

"Yes," I said at once. "This changes nothing for me." I realized as soon as I said it, that I shouldn't speak for my friends. Though I was willing to do whatever it took to save Elva, that didn't mean the same for others.

Yet, one by one, they spoke up.

"I will stay a donor," Nicholas said, voice strong and proud.

*Me, too," Julian said, laughing. "I can handle whatever comes if it helps out our princess."

Veronica lifted her head again. "You already know my answer."

The Oracle nodded, seeming pleased. "Gather in a circle then. Hold hands. Elva, you stand between them, in the middle of the circle."

We moved into positions. I held Nicholas and Julian's hands. After setting aside her book, Veronica, on the opposite of me, did the same but in reverse. Elva moved into the space between us.

at her companions, and they spread themselves and equal distance

they all

strong, pulsing magic flew from the Oracle's hands. It stretched outwards, moving like waves as it circled all of us in a bluish-purple

glow, just as she had done during

"Mommy?" she said.

zap rushed through

going to let go. I'd hold on and free

at me. His face was stricken but his grip

"Piper?"

growled out through the

don't like this,"

is healed," I

my

on the sand. It was the magic. I had to hold

me! I won't let this end before

in answer, but it still didn't feel like enough. The pain was near overwhelming. Tears