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There was simply something wild about Julian that could not be tamed
He looked her over and nodded approvingly. “I can see why he sent you tickets.”
the dress was now a rich cerise—the color of seduction and secrets.
Legend had given her an enchanted gown.
“If you’re finished admiring yourself,” said Julian, “should we search for that sister you’re so eager to find?”
Julian reached for Scarlett, as if to push her toward the door.
“Oh no, don’t run out! I’m only kidding,” the stranger called. “I’m not Casabian, I’m not the owner! I’m Algie, and I don’t care if your pockets are stuffed with clocks.”
Was it just her, or were the clocks on the wall ticking faster than before?
“Today only! For a bargain price the two of you can use this entrance—a shortcut into the heart of Caraval.”
“Do whatever you want, Crimson, but just a friendly warning for when you do get inside: be careful who you trust; most of the people here aren’t who they appear.”
“I said I’m offering a bargain; I’d just like to borrow your voice.”
“Say yes, and this device will take your voice for sixty minutes, and my door will lead you right inside the heart of Caraval.”
No you saw the clocks. He’s tricking you. He could curse those clocks and make 60 minutes last 60 years
“You didn’t take Grandfather Clock up on his offer?” Scarlett jumped.
“No need to be scared, Crimson, it’s just me.” Julian emerged from the shadows
Now Julian sauntered closer as if he had all the time in the world.
His tone was warm and friendly when he said, “Maybe I was hoping you’d show up?”
“I think we should go farther down and look for a gate,” he said. “But see that flag?” Scarlett said. “This has to be where we get in.” “No, I think it’s farther down. Trust me.”
Who is he really
“Don’t worry, love, I have them.” Julian placed an arm around Scarlett, tucking her unexpectedly close.
but Julian broke in first, his arm pressing harder against her shoulders in what felt like a warning. “Caraval Master Legend sent it. The two of us are getting married. He gifted the tickets to my fiancée, Scarlett.”
“Oh!” The cyclist clapped again. “I know all about the two of you! Master Legend’s special guests.”
“Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea. Inside you’ll experience more wonders than most people see in a lifetime. You can sip magic from a cup and buy dreams in a bottle. But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it’s all a game. What happens beyond this gate may frighten or excite you, but don’t let any of it trick you. We will try to convince you it’s real, but all of it is a performance. A world built of make-believe. So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they
...more
“Truth?” Julian made a dark sound that wasn’t quite a laugh. “I’m fairly certain she wouldn’t have liked that.”
Legend likes to—play.”
“Every guest is chosen for a reason,” he continued. “So, if you’re wondering why I lied, it’s because your invitation was not meant for a common sailor.”
In a flash, Scarlett’s back was pressed against the fountain, and Julian’s hands were spread out on either side of her, so much larger than her own. “Crimson, relax.” His
Once we enter that house, the game is all that matters. No one here cares about who anyone is when they’re not on this isle.”
Julian flashed a wicked smile. “I know because I’ve played before.”
AHHH I KNEW HE WAS SOMEBODY IMPORTANT
“So that’s why you helped me and my sister make it to this isle? Because you wanted to play again?” “If I said no, and that I did it because I wanted to rescue you from your father, would you believe me?” Scarlett shook her head. With a shrug, Julian leaned back,
“What’s your reason for coming back to Caraval?” “Do I need to have a purpose? Who doesn’t want to see the magical Caraval players? Or win one of their prizes?” “For some reason I don’t believe that.”
There was always some sort of treasure hunt involving a supposedly magical object—a crown, a scepter, a ring, a tablet, or a pendant. And the winners from previous years were always invited back with a guest.
“Tell me the real reason you’re here,” she said. “Trust me when I say you’re better off not knowing.”
“No, Crimson, this time, I am telling the truth.”
Julian’s face went dark. “Is that really what you think?” For a moment he looked truly wounded. Scarlett knew he was trying to manipulate her.
“Don’t look so put out about it. I’ve played this game before. I can help you. And you never know, you might actually enjoy it.”
“Don’t look at me like that,” Scarlett said. “It doesn’t work on me.” “That’s why it’s so fun.”
OMG SHE IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN ME BC I WOULD’VE FOLDED
“I keep forgetting you’ve never left your little isle before.”
“I don’t think we’re supposed to touch those,” Scarlett said. “Or maybe that’s the reason they shut when we walked in, because they want us to open them.” He pulled the curtain back wider.
giving an appearance of time that was neither day nor night.
It was about the same size as her village on Trisda, but it felt spectacularly bigger, the way a word feels bigger with an exclamation point tacked onto it.
“Take it in while you can,” Julian said. “It will make it easier to get around on the ground. After this, there will be no coming back up here unless—”
“Once inside, you will be presented with a mystery that must be solved,” said Rupert. “Clues will be hidden throughout the game to help you on your way. We want you to get swept away, but be careful of being swept too far away,” repeated Rupert.
“What happens if someone does get swept too far away?” asked Scarlett. “That’s usually when people die or go mad,”
But the idea of a contract sealed in blood did not sit well with Scarlett.
She knew better than to assume any type of game came without a cost.
She was never going to get to Tella.
flashing her a look made of lies and other sinful things.
“My sister is shorter than me, and very pretty, with a bit of a rounder face and long spirals of blond hair.”
“The lighter hair should make her easier to find,” said the sailor girl, but as far as Scarlett could tell, she spent more time with her eyes on Julian’s handsome face.
“That’s how you tell time here? The lanterns go out as it gets closer to dawn?”
Julian was already out of the boat. He grabbed Scarlett’s wrist, hauling her onto the dock.
