The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0561

When she awoke from her brief nap, Elva stuck to me like glue. She kept looking up at me with her big, tearful eyes. For a day that began with such high hopes, we were both feeling the lows now. I took her hand and did not release, very aware that I had nearly lost the chance to be her mom.

If I had died, I wouldn't get to see her grow up into the strong, independent woman I knew she would become. I'd miss graduations and weddings and maybe grandchildren.

Even as we walked together toward the deck, I tugged her closer to me, afraid to let her go too far. If I was in danger, than so was she. Ronan was incensed. If he wanted revenge on me, he'd find it easier by attacking Elva.

Then, when I couldn't take the worry and the guilt at nearly dying anymore, I stopped, dropped to one knee, and pulled Elva into a tight hug again.

"I'm sorry I scared you, Elva," I whispered to her. Her tight fingers clawed hard at my shoulders. Was she afraid I would let go and leave her again? I wouldn't. I would never. Even in death, my spirit would stay with her, to watch and protect her.

"Mommy," Elva said, voice watery. Her tears sounded like they were coming back, though I suspected, except during her short nap, that they never really left.

"Your mom is tough, okay? I fought and fought, making certain that I would return back to you. And I promise you that I will do my best to stay with you for as long as I am able, okay?" Org.

"Never leave, Mommy."

I pulled back enough to look into her eyes. How I wanted to make that promise. In a way, I could, I supposed. Though I wasn't certain she would understand it.

I gently rested my hand over her heart. "I'll always be here, Elva. Even if we're apart, I'm with you. Right here. Next to your heart."

Elva looked down. As I removed my hand, she placed her own where mine had been. "How do you fit in there?"

now and I smiled at her. "Your heart is so big, Elva. It

world?" Elva asked. She giggled a

for another hug. She giggled and squirmed. When she pulled away, she wasn't nearly as clinging anymore.

As we walked onto the deck, I made sure to grab her a napkin and

from nearby, the other side of the deck. "Want to learn a new

eyes. I hoped he wasn't going to try to teach her to count

going to ask a servant for a

a servant. Instead, Nicholas came out the door. His gaze panned across the deck before landing on me. He walked over to me with

angry. I had no idea what that meant for the conversation he'd just had with the merfolk

to convey to

I wanted to hear

the... incident at the event. The merfolk queen insisted he be held accountable for this action, and all those previous that he

such acts in the past, but at least he was facing some kind

and popular, Ambassador

"His cause this time is to hurt

on reflex. "I know. Fortunately, Ambassador Zale and the Queen have offered to send some of their own security to our island to help protect

in the first place, but perhaps that was all the more reason to accept them. They could be embarrassed and want

suit to help keep you safe. I, of course,

over in time to see all the

my smile. As I looked at Nicholas, it faded when I realized he was

loosen. "We're okay now. We're