The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

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Chapter 9: Ayla

The rest of the week went by quickly. It often did when every minute of the day had something to fill it. Holly had come into town with Zeff, and they invited Theo along for our dinner to congratulate us. I also agreed to write the column on a part–time basis, which made both Zeff and Holly happy. Theo was supportive once he knew it was a light schedule that wouldn’t be likely to add any more stress to my workload.

He and Zeff also got along surprisingly well and started to seem like old friends. Which made me happy. In the end, it was a wonderful evening.

—

The following days were filled with much of the same – training in the morning, working on the Harry investigation with Mina, Luna lessons with Grace, and getting my school schedule finalized.

My first two classes started on Monday. I was excited but realized how quickly everything was happening. I began to think I should have waited until the following semester to get started. Theo felt my anxiety, and, being as sweet as he is, he took me around the campus on Sunday to help me get my bearings.

My second class was with Professor Armand. I immediately liked him. His passion for his subject was evident, and he seemed to be a patient and effective teacher. I was excited to see how the class went but was even more eager to get to work with him on my own history project.

Jimmy and I stayed behind when the class was dismissed for my meeting with the professor.

“Luna, thank you for staying back with me,” Professor Armand said.

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“This first week of school is always hectic for everyone, and this was the best time for me to fit you in.”

“It’s not a problem at all,” I said. “And please, call me Ayla here. I’d rather not draw too much attention.”

“I’m afraid your secret won’t last too long, my dear,” the professor replied. “The rumor that our new Luna will be attending this year has been the talk of the campus.”

“Of course it is,” I said lightly. “I’m not expecting to keep it a secret. Just as separate as possible. I think it’ll be easier on my classmates.”

at Jimmy behind

following his gaze. “We’re working

“You mean you don’t like spending the

head at his

you’re aware of my… rather unique situation,” I

afraid I was the one who helped Randy track you

were plenty of others who did that first. In fact, it was you and

“But you have more questions. I’m not making any promises. It sounds like Alpha Cooper and Randy told

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help us,” I told him, reaching into my bag and removing one of

by this?” he asked

it fell into my lap,” I said. “I have a couple more like it. I‘ m still going through everything, but I brought this one because it has

the book as I spoke. “Indeed there

page I had bookmarked. It spoke about some of the abilities

said tentatively. “I know I can command people, but I don’t know how to yet. It’s something I need

probably not the best instructor on

offered to help with that. But, um…” — I glanced back at Jimmy, knowing he wouldn’t like the direction

as I suspected,

for,” Armand confirmed. “From what I could tell, all the members

was it something that was completely inherent,

Armand said. “I do recall some kind of tradition

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sure this would also

so,” I stated. “Randy made it sound

he interrupted. “At least not on their more recent histories, I should say. My studies have always consisted of the distant past. But I can certainly get you looking in the right direction for the

I won’t take up any more of your time today. Thank you for

as I did. “And please feel free to review your schedule and let me know of any regular times you would like to meet on