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.

they spread themselves and

they all lifted their

once, a 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

just as she

"Mommy?" she said.

zap rushed through me like a bolt of

going to let go.

was stricken but his

"Piper?"

growled out through the

like this,"

she is healed," I said to him. "I can handle it! I

whoosh of air and water sounded in my ears. I felt as if I was in a whirlpool being lashed

were firm on the sand. It was

I won't let this end before

felt Miracle's strength fill me in answer, but it still didn't feel like enough. The pain