The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0339

A few days later, all of the candidates were called into the foyer for another of Nathan’s meetings. By now, Elva was fully recovered, although very angry that I would not let her leave

the room.

“There’s a bad guy on the loose,” I said. “It’s too dangerous for you until that person is caught.”

Elva crossed her arms and pouted. “But you go out.”

“Because I have to. Trust me, I’d rather stay in here with you.”

That, along with a hug, seemed to pacify her for now, and I was able to leave peacefully.

Down in the foyer, I found Susie, Veronica, and Tiffany standing together and went to join them.

“How is Elva?” Susie asked. I had talked to each of them since the incident, down at breakfast and dinner, but every time Susie asked me the same question. I was glad for it, honestly. It was

nice to feel cared about.

“Better,” I said. “She was so mad I wouldn’t let her join us.”

“It’s safer where she is,” Veronica said, and she would know.

She had placed some talismans of her own around my room, designed to keep the curse at bay. She’d also given Elva a necklace to wear that carried a talisman as a pendant, but Veronica had said it was better if she was entirely surrounded by the protections.

“She’s a free spirit,” Susie said fondly.

“Glad she’s better,” Tiffany said. “Most of the girls were really worried.” Most. I wondered which were the ones who weren’t. I immediately suspected Olivia and Lilliana, though I’d hoped they weren’t so callous as to actively want Elva harmed.

Being uncaring was different than malice though, so I tried not to dwell on it.

Nathan cleared his throat, drawing all of our gazes.

“Attention, please,” Nathan said. When he had it, he continued, “It has been decided by the royal family that we are going to attempt to progress the competition.”

A few gasps sounded around the candidates. Most seemed excited. I didn’t know what to think yet so I stayed quiet. Beside me, Susie looked worried.

“Due to Terry’s betrayal,” Nathan continued, “the scores from his event will be removed from the standings.”

+15 BONUS

I motioned him closer and he sat on the bed beside me.

Julian yawned. “I’d like to stay too. Not on the bed of course, but that couch over there looks. comfortable.”

He hadn’t slept either. He’d been so worried about Elva. It seemed unfair to send him away now, when the matter was mostly resolved. Adrenaline was giving way, and everyone was exhausted.

“It’s okay,” I told him. “You can stay.’

In the end, only Mark saw himself out, but I imagined that was to go see Susie.

well, taking watch

me, and I felt

from the other side

“Sleep,” Nicholas said.

if you do,

“I promise.”

open much

full night

back. His arms were wrapped around me and Elva both. Across the room, Julian snored where he was on the couch. Charlotte’s head had dipped down onto her shoulder

chest.

bittersweet feeling surged

now, but

soon, we’d be ripped away

tried to live in the happy now, but dread lingered,

2/2

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in relief. So did Susie. No thanks to Terry, we’d both managed a truly terrible standing. With Terry’s scores dismissed, we stood a much better

the next event will be

as if speaking to himself, he said, “Since those receive the best ratings and reaction. from

that all candidates to wear bright colors in their outfits and do their best to appear cheerful and exuberant. We want the

looked at each other. Those seemed

go to the candidates that seem to be having the

A few mouths opened.

the palace gates. Things were so

always wear a bright face,” Nathan

but came up short with all the times I could remember the

keep

his meeting, Tiffany turned to the rest of us. “Things must be worse than they are letting on out there, if they are throwing

to notice it too, did not bode well

the girls began to file out, Julian weaved his

I’ve been looking for you.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Ready for

I rolled my eyes.

Nice to see you all

curtsied. Veronica

to see you,

his arm for me, and I

I called out behind

room, we immediately turned to the left, breaking off from

2/4

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do you want to get caught tonight?” Julian

this. The camera

when they know. Isn’t it supposed to

good-naturedly. “I’d

gave a second, more dramatic sigh.