Juniper & Thorn

by Ava Reid

My cheeks pinked. “Well, you’re my first secret then, my first lie. Does that please you?”

I had undergone the most terrifying transformation of all. Perhaps I had become a girl who did not care about lying to her father or betraying her sisters.

My eyes are weary of looking at you.”

I wasn’t so stupid that I didn’t know most people found joy in making beautiful things ugly.

Magic is the low flicker of tavern lights and the girl you’re courting leaning close so you can kiss.”

“Perhaps,” I said, “this story can have a happy end.” The corner of his lip pulled up into a beautiful, crooked smile. “Who says so?” “I do.”