The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0241

Elva immediately perked upon seeing him. “Jul–an! Teach me the trick again.”

“She’s been practicing,” I said softly to Julian, like a secret.

“Then maybe you should show me.” Julian withdrew a quarter from his pocket and handed it to Elva.

I let go of her hand so she could move, though I placed my hand on the top of her head instead. I wasn’t

going to let Elva out of my sight tonight, or likely any other night. Not until Jane was caught and the

organization brought down.

“Okay. Watch!” Elva held out the coin like Nicholas had taught her. Then with a flick of her wrist, the coin

clattered down onto the floor. “Oh!” Elva bent and picked it up.

“An excellent attempt!” Julian said and clapped. “You’ll be a little thief–ah, that is, a little magician in

now time.”

I scowled at him for the slip of the tongue.

Elva beamed at the praise. She held out the quarter to give back to him.

keep it, Elva.

just that, pausing only when I made her hold my hand

the trick one–handed

me. “Well. Ready

earn

candidate and benefactor was assigned their own servant, who would keep track of who spoke

as something like handlers, leading the candidates

to the correct spots to speak with each other. Then they

1. up.

unexpected joke and an easy smile. Elva won the hearts of the rest. She insisted on showing

with limited success, to everyone we

darling,” said an older benefactor

close to my ear and whispered, “See, she’s saving lives already.”

didn’t roll my eyes, since I was being watched, but it was a near thing.

the end of my hour with Julian, I had one confirmed commitment

like a victory.

we must part.” Julian took my hand, lifted it to

knuckles.

my skin for a half–second longer than needed. When he pulled away, he didn’t look at me,

lightly on the head.

“Thanks, Jul–an!”

knew eventually I would have to go it alone. I

could.