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

following his gaze. “We’re working on

mean you don’t like spending the whole day with my sparkling

head at

rather unique situation,” I said as I sat at

you down,” he admitted. “I’m sorry

of others who did that first. In fact, it was you and Randy that helped us find some answers

I’m not making any

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that can help us,” I told him, reaching into my bag and

come by

“I have a couple more like it. I‘ m still going

through the book

page I had bookmarked. It spoke

little deeper into that,” I said tentatively. “I know I can

probably not the best instructor on that

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

as I

the Dominis was known for,” Armand confirmed. “From what I could tell, all the members had the

something that was completely inherent, or did they

of tradition or ritual that

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10:38

on that, but I’m sure this would also

hope so,” I stated. “Randy made it sound like

should say. My studies have always consisted of the distant past. But I can certainly get you looking in the right

you, Professor,” I said. “Well, I won’t take up any more of your time

standing as I did. “And please feel free to review your schedule and let me know of