The Selection ✓

nineteen - for me, or for him

A/N

Whether or not you're on Team Lucas or Team Will, this chapter may or may not anger or trigger you in more ways than one. My best advice is to read until the end and don't quit the story halfway through, because lots of things can change in a chapter over a thousand words.

Enjoy

***

Lucas and I didn't speak a single word as he ushered me to a room located at the far end of the corridor. At first, I had simply assumed that we were going outside to speak, but when he led me to a conference room, something was up. 

"What are we doing here," I asked as we entered the doorway. I instantly froze when I saw Will sitting on one of the seats, no doubt apart of this 'chat'. I dreaded every moment of this."You might as well spit it out, Lucas."

Please let me get over this alive.

He dropped his gaze, observing the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in existence, and I instantly knew the topic of tonight's conversation. The choice.

Will cleared his throat, "Luc."

"Right. Holly, it has come to my attention that you have been developing feelings for both of us." My throat constricted, and I was unable to answer. Instead, my eyes only confirm his statement. "Which is why, as the Elite announcements approach, are you here for me, or for him?"

The emphasis on the word 'him' had switched our positions. Now, I was looking at the ground: who knew that the patterns were so intricately chosen so that they complement their surroundings. Especially the center ones, they-, "Holly."

I blink upwards, and I'm met with two pairs of blue eyes, one naturally darker as if it was mixed with hints of gray, the other like the ocean. I recoiled backward.

Lucas

Will

Lucas

Will

Lucas

"Will," I cough out without much thought, and I push away any feelings of regret. "Will," I repeat, pretending to sound sure of my choice. But in reality, I really wasn't.

Lucas was speechless, and instead of eliminating me on the spot, I see his bright blue orbs tearing up, and I want nothing more than to be able to run up and embrace him until the end of time. But I'm aware of my haphazard choice, and I look away.

I can't meet his eyes. 

"Very well." I'm surprised the words even come out of his mouth. "I'll see you tomorrow." he nods, before turning around and strutting off. I don't blame him. 

Will turns to me, but I myself am crying, I don't know what triggers the emotion, but as he tries to reach for me, I run out of his grasp and slam my door shut. The post effects of the rebel attack resulted in dinner in our rooms, so I was thankful there wouldn't be another encounter between me and either prince until tomorrow, and my official departure.

Chauntelle ushers me to take a seat, and given the non-stop tears flowing out of my face, she tries her best to calm me down. Jane interrupts, "You haven't been eliminated, have you?" she asks.

Cassie's eyes widen, "Jane!"

I laugh. The first laugh of the night, "No, I haven't been." and I mumble softly, "But I will be soon." Chauntelle hears and whips her head in my direction. I clamp my mouth shut and look away.