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

all lifted their

stretched outwards, moving like

began to glow, just as she had done during

"Mommy?" she said.

zap rushed through me like a bolt of electricity. The

it was. I wasn't going to let go. I'd hold on and free Elva from this

me. His face was stricken but

"Piper?"

out

don't like

she is healed," I said to him. "I

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

the sand. It was the magic.

me! I won't let this

Miracle's strength fill me in answer, but it still didn't feel like enough. The pain was near overwhelming. Tears filled