The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0559

*Just for the record, I won the race," Bridget said, from the peripheral of the small crowd gathered around me.

Nicholas was still holding me, with Veronica, Jessica, and Elva close by. Everyone, it seemed, was worried about me - all except Bridget, who said again, "Did you record my finish? Did you see it?"

I ignored her, and focused instead on the closeness of Nicholas. His warmth. The strength of his arms around me, ever-protecting me. His scent, dimmed slightly by the salt water clinging to his skin and his hair.

Why was he wet? He wasn't in the race.

It took me a long moment to realize that my vision of him in the water wasn't a dream. He had truly been there. I didn't understand how, but I knew, deep in my heart, that he was the one who stopped Ronan from killing me. And Veronica, who had so valiantly come to my rescue as well.

I was eternally to them both.

I trembled, remembering the cold depths of the ocean.

becoming so familiar. I felt the same fear when I face my sister with her ready to kill me, or when Elva had been so sick, we didn't know if she would

for

he whispered in reply.

his words. Yes, I could believe him, because he was here. He was with me, and he would

done well on my own, but I didn't need to do it all by myself any longer. Nicholas was my knight in shining armor. He wouldn't let anyone like Ronan

to the somewhat compromising way Nicholas and I were holding

understand. We needed to put more space between us, lest everyone in the kingdom discover

Nicholas whispered

a stain on his reputation. He had reasons for the game we played, where we pretended not to mean as much to each other

I said,

loosened his hold on me and leaned

regretted suggesting he should. I was so cold without him. On reflex, I reached out and clutched his arm. We could have space between us, but I wanted him near me. I needed him

at me with concern. Jessica was worrying her hands together. Julian came running up to the group, out of breath. He knelt in the

I nodded in answer, and he