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?"

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

asked.

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

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

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

he wasn't going to try

going to ask a servant for

waiting for a servant. Instead, Nicholas came out the door.

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

that transpired. He wished me to

and good, I liked Ambassador Zale, but this wasn't what I wanted to hear right now.

insisted he be held accountable

wasn't thrilled to hear that he had gotten away with such acts in the past,

merfolk, but apparently is rather well liked. Handsome and popular, Ambassador Zale said. That is typically enough, I

cause this time is

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

first place, but perhaps that was all the more reason to accept them. They

suit to help keep you safe. I, of course, will also be adding to our protection here

bright and light as a bell chime. Nicholas and I both looked over in time to see all the cards Julian had been holding flying through

As I looked at Nicholas, it faded when I realized he was frowning so

my hand over his clenched fist. It did not loosen. "We're okay now. We're safe. And with those added soldiers, we'll be safer