The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story



Chapter 0550

Elva glanced up at Veronica and her laughter stifled. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Veronica startled a little, then tried to smile again. It wasn't as big as before. It barely twitched her lip, and certainly did not meet her eyes.

"Nothing's wrong," Veronica said. "I'm glad you liked the trick."

*How long does it last?" I asked, though as soon as the words left my mouth Elva's purple glow began to fade.

"Aww," Elva said, looking at her hands. "Do it again!"

"Elva, honey," I scolded lightly. "We don't demand things from people."

"I'm tired now," Veronica said. "Maybe another time."

Elva tucked her chin down, disappointed. But she said, "Okay."

*Thank Veronica for the magic trick," I reminded Elva.

Elva kicked her feet on the ground. "Thank you..." she mumbled.

"You're welcome," Veronica said.

Elva lifted her folded bird again. She glanced at me, as if for permission.

"Go on," I said. "Have fun."

Nearby I saw the nanny coming up onto the deck. Elva saw her too, and ran toward her, holding up the folded bird. With Elva thoroughly distracted, I turned to Veronica, looking for an explanation. "What just happened?"

in this book." She motioned toward the merfolk book on the top of the bar. "The book contains many sections on curses and how to properly evaluate and remove

heartbeat kicked up and I perked up. She said 'remove them'! That should be exciting, a great sign! If the book talked about

anything but

news?" I asked, because looking at

show the nature of Elva's curse and the magical power level

accept that Jane would never come around, not to help herself or anyone else. If left

"Yes," Veronica said.

that good?" I was

supposed I appreciated her bluntness. She was never one for false hope. Although in this case, it pulled

Veronica said. "It will

power? Veronica was the only one

remove her

She sighed. "What I do is mere child's play compared to

had built up for myself crashed and burned all around me. It was my own fault. I should have

no. No, no," I said quickly. "This

"If I were stronger-*

she could see my face and know that I'm earnest. "We wouldn't even know any of this if

shook her head, clearly dissatisfied with herself. I couldn't talk. I knew exactly how it felt to not believe you

the only one with enough power to have

removed doubt from my heart. I wanted to arrive, to help Elva, but I still didn't know if I could fully trust her. The oracle was a stranger. This magic was foreign, even to

said. "I've only just started. Maybe there's more I can

from the bottom of my heart. I hoped she knew how much I appreciated her. I wasn't sure she would

returned to her book, and I walked off a little ways, wanting to give her some space. I looked out over the water. The

"Nick-lass! Look at my birdie!" She showed her folded bird to Nicholas, who had just stepped out onto the deck from the house. She explained in her roundabout child way that Veronica had made it and given it to her, and

said

she rushed over to a pile of napkins in an attempt to replicate the bird. Unfortunately, Veronica didn't notice to be able to help.

made his way over to me. Together we stood side by side.

down,"

was feeling protective from our discussion, but I didn't think he had anything to be sorry about. "I'm not mad that you want to