Legendary (Caraval, #2)

by Stephanie Garber

“You look too thin, Jacks. I hope you’ll eat more than an apple tonight.”

hahahahahhahahah

to a candied pig with an apple in its mouth, was present.

I just know Jacks is eyeing that apple like its no ones business

though Tella noticed Jacks did not touch any of it.

So I wanna talk about this because IDK if I missed it in ouabh, why was Jacks able to eat the food at the Hollow? I know it countered his Fate status right? But does he not eat normally? or do the fates not eat like human food? I don’t remember finding a definite answer about this

He plucked the apple from the pig’s mouth,

What did i say lmaooo

it brushed against her mouth as Jacks watched every bite she took.

Me who eats like a monster would be so uncomfy with him staring at me because he would def witness me dropping something on my shirt 5x

Apparently he was playing the role of the Prince of Hearts. Tella dared a look at Jacks, to see how he would react to finding himself depicted onstage.

Jacks: “….Is this fucking play about us?!”

“Was it like that?” she whispered. “Is that what you really did? You turned people into cards and played with them?” Jacks answered against her ear. “I never licked a card like that.”

I CAN’T WITH HIM

“Lie to me,” Elantine said, “and I’ll have you tossed from this room before Jacks returns. Or tell me the truth and find yourself with a powerful ally. Now, answer quickly: What are you doing with that vicious young man who wants my throne?”

DAMN

For years Tella had trusted the Aracle without question. But if the real Aracle was trapped inside this card, wouldn’t it show Tella whatever it needed to so that she would help it escape?

Dante leaned against one of the pillars flanking the temple’s massive door, all bronzed flesh and brilliant tattoos— And, oh glory, he was shirtless. So very shirtless.

Door frame leaning SIR WOOF

Just like he’d managed to trick her into believing that he actually cared about her.

oye

She wanted to say something witty or scathing, but to her horror all that came out was: “You should never wear a shirt.” His grin was devastating.

Hahahahhahahaha Me and Tella both just say whatever comes to our smooth brains so I very much relate

“I wasn’t planning on undressing you here or anywhere else.

BOOOO why not :(

Tella still wasn’t sure whether Dante or Julian was Legend.

Honestly she should just say "i know who you are" And see if he looks panicked for a split sec, because if you said that to Julian he would be like huh?

She did have choices and she’d made hers. At the end of the game Tella would give Legend over to Jacks.

She would damn the whole world to live and ask mom some questions!? Regardless of what ends up happening, I’ve never seen an unapologetically selfish MC like this before and honestly its fun and different.

“Are you sure? For a moment you stopped breathing. Or do I just have that effect on you?” His lips brushed past her ear, tickling the tender space near the edge of her jaw as he let out a low chuckle.

I am GIGGLING like a schoolgirl PLEAZSE

“My father tried to get rid of me when I was young. He sold me to a noble family from another continent. But either destiny was on my side or truly out to destroy me. The nobles’ ship was attacked by pirates who kept no prisoners.

“Tella—” Dante’s tone hinted at a warning. But whatever it was, Tella didn’t want to hear it. Her mother had not only been here but something of hers was in the vaults.

Why can't she listen to him

“But the ring can. It has a memory, activated by blood. If it truly was your mother’s, your blood should bring forth a vision of what she promised us.

“Tella—” Dante growled. “I don’t think you should—” But Tella was already pressing the tip of her finger to her mother’s old ring.

Jfc Tella you're being too rash, this is where we differ because I would be pondering on what to do for 3 days and 3 nights

The hand was ripped from Tella’s neck. Then arms were scooping Tella up, pulling her tight to a pounding chest that smelled of ink and sweat and fury.

Dante days are filled dealing with Tella’s bs and I think this is the most fun he’s had in ages, they’re both drama queens so they are perfect for each other lets be real

“And I’ll take one for myself, in black.” Dante’s voice was merciless, a tone Tella had never heard cross his lips,

DUDE DANTE IS FKIN HILARIOUS

Occasionally he’d press something that felt like a kiss to the top of her head. But it wasn’t until she fell silent that he finally asked, “Where do you want me to take you?” “Somewhere to forget.”

“You have a voice for telling stories.” “Of course I do.” “You are so full of yourself.” She leaned closer to elbow him in the ribs, but Dante took the opportunity to slide his heavy arm around her waist and tuck her into his side.

I LOVE THEM

“Fate is only an idea, but I think by believing in it we turn it into something more. You just said you’ve avoided love because you’ve believed it wasn’t in your future, and so it hasn’t been.”

FACTUAL and exactly what I was thinking

Tella’s hand found Dante’s fingers in the dark. Somewhere in the space between the Temple of the Stars and this cursed place something had shifted between them.

“If my mother had been a kinder or better person, I might have turned out good, and everyone knows how boring it is to be good.”

“I definitely wouldn’t be here with you if you were good.” Tella pictured the word good withering next to Dante. Good was the word people used to describe how they slept at night and bread fresh out of the fire. But Dante was more like the fire.

loveeee

His chuckle was dark. “I’m definitely not the hero.” “I already knew that,” Tella said. “It’s my story, so clearly I’m the hero.”

Bruh im obsessed with them, I fear

“Would you like my help?” Dante dropped his hand to her hips. Tella’s breathing hitched. “No. I don’t want your help.… I want you.” Dante’s gaze caught on fire and he took her mouth with his.

HALLELUJAH

This kiss felt like a confession, brutal and raw and honest in a way kisses rarely were.

Maybe the fountain’s enchantment was at work because Tella imagined by the time she finished kissing Dante, she’d forget every other boy who’d ever touched her mouth.

Tella claimed she didn’t want love—she liked to say love trapped and controlled and ripped hearts apart. But the truth was she also knew love healed and held people together, and deep down she wanted it more than anything.

but a part of her always wished that whenever she walked away from a boy he’d run after her, beg her to stay, and then promise he’d never leave.

Only the moon lingered, undoubtedly wishing it had lips after witnessing what Tella and Dante had just done.

I haven’t stopped wanting you since the night of the Fated Ball when you were willing to risk your life because you wanted to make me angry. After that, I couldn’t stay away.”

“I kept coming back to you, not because of Legend, or the game. But because you’re so real and alive and fearless and daring and beautiful and if what’s between us isn’t real, then I don’t know what is.”

But from the back, the young woman looked exactly like Scarlett. Tella continued to watch, but her sister didn’t turn around. She scurried forward, flitting out of the carriage house

what in the bloody fux

Tella only saw the back of this person as well, but she instantly recognized his careless walk, his wrinkled clothes, and his head of golden hair. Jacks.

this is so weird

“I’m your one true love. Your kiss can’t kill me.” Jacks’s scowl deepened. “You shouldn’t believe every story you hear. Do I look as if I’m in love with you?”

Lmaooo

The only moment she stumbled was when she thought she saw Scarlett, dressed as the Unwed Bride in a veil of tears that dripped over her face like weeping diamonds.

I CAME BACK FROM THE END OF THE BOOK AFTER MY REREAD AND BEING REMINDED JULIAN WAS DRESSED AS CHAOS AND NOW I’M SEEING SCARLETT REALLY IS DRESSED AS LALA, THIS IS UNFKING BELIEVABLE

“He made us a promise. I cannot tell you what it is, but if you care about him, you’ll want to make sure he keeps his word.” “What happens if he doesn’t?” Theron traced the star-shaped brand on his face. “If your Dante fails us, he will die.”

dang

Tella took a deep breath. If this was going to work, she needed to summon Jacks before she officially won the game or stepped out of the stars’ temple. She reached into the pocket of her silver gown, fingers fumbling for his luckless coin.

I simply cannot believe she would ever do this

“You shouldn’t have come.” “Tella, look at me.” Another step. Then she felt the heady warmth that always seemed to surround him.

She’d suspected Dante was Legend, but she wasn’t supposed to be right. “I don’t want to talk to you,” she said. “I want to talk to Legend.” “Then open your eyes and speak to me.”

DAMN BRO I CANNOT, ITS LIKE OBVS I KNEW IT WAS HIM BUT THESE REVEALS ARE E A T I N G. This couldn’t have gone any better, this is one of my favorite scenes in the Caraval series honestly

Her legs gave out. His arms snaked around her, keeping her steady while the world she knew broke into pieces. Dante was Legend. Legend was Dante.

Chefs kiss

She could feel his words against his lips as he spoke. “Tella, say something.”

I’m literally cold sweating rn, my stomach is in knots and my heart is pounding, my body is having such a visceral reaction to this

“What did you promise them?” Tella asked. “It doesn’t matter. I did it for you and I’d do it again.” Dante rotated his wrist until somehow he was holding her hand.

and she shoved him again. But he wouldn’t fight back and he wouldn’t flee. He wasn’t afraid. He was something far worse. He was hopeful that she would choose him.

Dude my heart is breaking for him…TELLA STOP IT RIGHT NOW

“I’m being the hero.” “No!” Dante roared the word the moment he realized what she meant. “Tella, don’t do this. Your mother wouldn’t want this.”