The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

"You don't know that," I said. "It's as possible that Hawk kidnapped him as it is that Joyce wanted to go. We don't know all the facts."

Veronica received no comfort from my words. Her shoulders slumped slightly. "I wish I could have been in two places at once."

I didn't know what to say to that. It wasn't her fault, but she didn't seem inclined to listen to reason. I stayed quiet instead, offering her comfort by my presence more than my words. Whatever she was feeling, I could help her carry it. We were friends. Her burdens were mine as well.

"So many long faces," Julian said from the doorway. He grinned at us as we came close. We both looked at him. I noticed Veronica's eyes brighten slightly, though gloom still hung over her like a dark cloud. "Good thing I come bearing gifts."

Julian had his hand behind his back. As he approached Veronica, he pulled a small box from behind his back and placed it in front of her, right on top of the book she had been reading.

Veronica lifted a brow at him, then at the gift.

"Go on," Julian said.

box. Inside were a few seeds. I didn't understand the significance, but

these? These flowers

widened. "I'm a prince, remember? Rare or no,

understand. Julian noticed as he glanced

might be nice if she could just grow her own, instead of constantly sinking money into the pollen." *A most thoughtful gift," Veronica said. The corner of

too, in relief. If I couldn't lift Veronica's spirits, I was

felt as if

while it lasted. But in the back of my mind, I still agonized over the choice I would soon be

I found her in the gardens, again with the wolves Night and Silver, though this time Nicholas was

me but

wolf look

shown you before," Nicholas

forgot," she said.