The Luna Choosing Game



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.

The Oracle nodded at her companions, and they spread themselves and equal distance around our circle.

Then they all lifted their hands.

At 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 light.

Elva began to glow, just as she had done during Veronica's experiment.

"Mommy?" she said.

"It will be okay, honey," I told her. A zap rushed through me like a bolt of electricity. The pain quickly followed.

I clamped my teeth and held on. I didn't care how painful it was. I wasn't going to let go. I'd hold on and free Elva from this curse even if it killed me.

Nicholas looked at me. His face was stricken but his grip was strong.

"Piper?"

"I'm okay," I growled out through the pain. "Keep going."

"I don't like this," he said.

"Don't you dare end it before she is healed," I said to him. "I can handle it! I swear!"

The pain was worsening by the second. I whoosh of air and water sounded in my ears. I felt as if I was in a whirlpool being lashed around in the water.

But my feet were firm on the sand. It was the magic. I had to hold on.

Miracle, help me! I won't let this end before Elva is saved!

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

*Piper!*

"Don't give up!" I begged. Nicholas was stronger than me. As was Julian and Veronica. I was the weak link here.

I knew it hurt Nicholas to see me like this, to hear the strain in my voice, to feel my body shaking. But I needed him to hold on. To believe in me.

I could do this. For Elva, I could do this.

Then, just when I thought I had reached the outer limits of my pain, a new wave crushed over me. I felt as if my soul was being sucked straight from my body.

This was worse than when I had lost my wolf.

It hurt so bad, I felt like I was being turned inside out.

I tried not to. I tried to hold back as long as I could. I didn't want Nicholas to end it. I didn't want to scare Elva.

But the pain was too much.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

I screamed.

"Stop!" Nicholas shouted. He let go of my hand.

At once, the pain vanished, and I collapsed into the sweet release of total darkness.