The Luna Choosing Game

As Terry pulled me out onto the dance floor, I at least felt the relief of knowing Elva wouldn’t overhear

whatever terrible things Terry was sure to say to me. About me, or about my sister. This worked for me,

because I wanted answers.

Terry placed his hand on my waist. His other gripped my hand firmly. Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

I pushed my free hand to his shoulder, using my arm like a wedge to maintain distance between us.

Anytime Terry would try to tug me closer, I would push him back. It was a never–ending, exhausting little

game.

“What have you done to my sister?” I demanded.

He laughed. “What makes you think I’ve done anything to her?”

“She would never be with you.”

“Oh, darling Piper. So naïve. I assure you that Jane is my willing mistress. Never once have I forced her

to do anything against her will.”

Remembering the drug in my champagne, I severely doubted the truth to his words. Although, Jane had

been so hateful to me, maybe she didn’t care who else Terry hurt. Maybe she even liked that about him.

My stomach twisted in disgust.

“Never fear, darling. Soon you will see for yourself,” Terry said. He was a good dancer, leading me in a

perfect waltz around the room. I hated that about him. I didn’t want him to be good at anything. “I’ll win

you over, and you can join us.”

“Never,” I snapped.

He shrugged like my vehement rejection mattered little to him.

“It will happen. Then I’ll finally have the completed set.” He smiled to himself, a vile and twisted thing.”

I’ve always wondered what it would be like, laying with twins.”

Bile rose in my mouth. “I will never be yours. I’ll die first.”

“Piper, not only will you be mine, but you will be begging me to take you in.”

“No.”

“We all know you are not meant to be Luna. Sooner or later, by the King’s direct command or otherwise,

you will be forced out of this competition. Then, when you have nowhere to go, you’ll get desperate. And

“I would never turn to you for help.”

“You say that now, but what happens the next time Elva is sick? Without the palace’s protection. Without

the benefits of a live–in doctor. How will little Elva survive?”

He says Elva’s name like a mockery. I hate the way his voice curls around it, cutting into it with its

venomous baritone.

What I hated worse was the fear he might be right. I would do anything to save my daughter. I didn’t know where the line was. I likely wouldn’t, until I was in the position. Until Elva was so sick she might die,

and I would have to make a choice: her life or my body.

I shuddered thinking of what my surrender would mean. It wouldn’t be enough for him to sleep with me.

He wanted to own me. Possess me.

He wanted the set. Twins.

He whisked me around the room once more, then led me to Nicholas.

I was stunned into silence. I couldn’t say more, not even to defend myself. He could tell. He smirked the entire time. He kissed my hand and then deposited me at Nicholas’s side.

Nicholas immediately placed his hand under my elbow.

I felt light–headed, like I might fall.

“What did he say?” Nicholas asked me.

Nicholas’s other hand was holding Elva’s. She looked up at us both with curious eyes. I didn’t dare repeat the terrible things he had said, not with Elva listening.

I glanced at her, then up to Nicholas and hoped he could see the reason for my hesitation. He seemed to. “I can have him removed.”