Finale (Caraval, #3)

by Stephanie Garber

‘I would actually say your greatest treasure is sitting across from you. There is nothing quite so precious as the love of a sister.’

And in that moment, Legend no longer felt like Tella’s enemy, or her friend, or the boy she used to love – Legend felt like every story she’d never wanted to believe about him.

Scarlett willed it not to shift and betray any of her feelings, but the gown had always liked Julian.

‘I don’t need to prove anything,’ said Julian. ‘I’m not trying to win her hand. I’m offering her mine, and everything that comes with it, hoping she’ll take it and decide she wants to keep it.’

Their mother had once told them there was nothing like the love of a sister, and this was one of the moments where Tella could feel that truth.

Legend possessed a fallen angel’s beauty that commanded attention. He was tailored suits over inked tattoos, and lies that people wanted to believe. His palace would be breathtaking in the way that only powerful things could be.

Julian hopped off the bed, misreading her hesitation. ‘Do you need help?’ ‘I can manage,’ Scarlett said. But Julian’s arms were already around her. He picked her up with one quick swoop and carried her into a sitting room. ‘Julian, I can walk.’ ‘Maybe I just want an excuse to hold you.’

He smelled like dirt and tears and perfection. And she decided then that she was never, ever letting go of him. She wished there was a way to tether her heart to his, so that even when they were apart they would still be attached. There were things in this world to be truly afraid of, but loving Julian was not one of them.

His hand was the hand that she wanted to hold. His voice was the sound she wanted to hear, and his smile wasn’t just something she wanted to see; she wanted to be the reason for it.

knew that if I came back and things didn’t work out, I’d regret losing you, but I’d never regret having a reminder of you.’ ‘I love you, Julian.’ His smile could have saved the world. ‘Thank the dead saints – I’ve been waiting to hear you say that.’

‘A careful girl wouldn’t say she loved me.’ ‘You’re wrong. I don’t think my heart could be safer than in your hands.’

And yet it hurt so very much to realize that he was only standing there now, looking like a dream come true, because he didn’t love her, and she so desperately loved him.

‘Can’t you just tell me if he’s the father?’ ‘Who else would be the father?’ Legend growled. ‘Don’t get upset with me!’ Tella snapped. ‘You asked the question first.’ And you don’t love me, said her eyes.

‘I gave up too easily.’ His thumb stroked her jaw. ‘You asked me to let you go, but I can’t.’ ‘I already told you. It was just the idea—’ ‘You lied.’ Another quick move and his hands left her face so that one of his arms could slide under her legs while another went behind her back. ‘Legend—’ Tella protested. ‘I don’t need you to carry me.’ He continued picking her up, and cradled her to his chest, so close she could feel his steady heartbeat. ‘He tried to kill you. I need to carry you.’

‘I’m still not letting you make me an immortal.’ ‘We’ll see.’ His voice had softened, and she might have called it sweet, but there was nothing sweet about the way he smiled. It was a smile that promised she’d enjoy this new game, even as she lost it.

Then the Fallen Star died. And Scarlett cried. She cried for the horrors he had been, and she cried for the wonders that he could have been instead.

‘I’m sorry I left you that night. I shouldn’t have left, I shouldn’t have hurt you. And I shouldn’t have got scared and run away when I realized that I was falling in love with you.’

‘I can’t say that I understand love, or that I’m very good at it, because I’ve never loved anyone before. But I love everything about you, Donatella Dragna. Everything.’ His hand dropped lower to stroke her jaw. ‘I love the secrets you haven’t told me, and the lies you’ve tried to get away with. I love your stubbornness and your persistence. I love the way you always pretend not to care when I visit you in dreams. I love that you never stop fighting for what you want or the people you love, even when they don’t deserve it. I love you, I don’t intend to stop loving you, and I hope that somewhere deep inside, you still love me, too.’

‘Good, because I don’t want to fight you. I just want to love you.’ He lifted her a little and pressed another kiss to her lips. ‘This is my choice, and I choose you, Donatella. I don’t need immortality. You’re my forever.’

‘Poison does have a crush on you. Why do you think he agreed to a truce with you so quickly?’ ‘Maybe because my sister is nicknamed the Fate Slayer.’ Tella’s cheeks pinked with pride. ‘You think I could get a Wanted poster with a picture of me on it and that title beneath it?’ ‘You’re not a criminal,’ Scarlett said. ‘You’re a hero.’ ‘Yes, but I’ve always wanted my own Wanted poster.’

‘You know, that dress always fancied you more than anyone else.’ ‘Of course it did.’ He smirked. ‘It was always reflecting your feelings.’

‘I’m glad you like it.’ His smile returned but it looked a little bashful again as he tugged on the back of his neck with one hand. ‘Gloves were once a symbolic gift.’ ‘Yes,’ she blurted. His brows danced up. ‘I haven’t even asked.’ ‘Whatever you ask, the answer is yes.’ She threw her arms around his neck. His hands tightened around her waist in response. ‘What if I asked for half your kingdom?’ ‘Then I’d say you could have all of it. Everything that’s mine is yours, Julian.’

‘Now you’re mine as well.’ He pulled back just enough to give her a wicked grin. ‘I’ve always been yours, Crimson.’

Legend did not believe in endings. For most of his immortal life, he believed his world would come crashing down if he fell in love and became human. Instead, his world had become more precious, particularly the pieces involving her.