Finale (Caraval, #3)

by Stephanie Garber

Every story has four parts: the beginning, the middle, the almost-ending, and the true ending. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a true ending. Most people give up at the part of the story where things are the worst, when the situation feels hopeless, but that is where hope is needed most. Only those who persevere can find their true ending.

This was the boy of Scarlett’s dreams.

Then she’d put it on, and when she turned and looked at Julian, the gown had transformed into a confection of lace and seductive colors, as if it had somehow known that this was the boy whose heart she needed to win.

“While I was gone, I tried to remember every word you ever said to me. I’ve thought about you every hour of every day I was away.”

“I won’t ever move on, Crimson.” He took her hand and brought it to his heart.

“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.”

“I wish I were. But there are things from my past that I need to make right, and I won’t risk letting you and Scarlett get involved. I’ve made countless mistakes, but you and your sister are the only things I’ve made that have brought something better into this world.”

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.

“How long was I out?” she asked. “Long enough to make me worry that this wasn’t just an elaborate ploy to get into my bed.” Scarlett managed a smile. “What if I said it was a ploy?” “I’d tell you that you don’t need one. You’re welcome in my bed anytime.”

“I don’t care what anyone says, as long as they’re saying things about me.”

She chased after the butterflies leaping off her dress until she found a glowing archway formed of dazzling white diamond peonies. As soon as she was through the arch, the flowers moved behind her, sealing her away from the rest of the party and leaving her alone with Legend. She took several heartbeats just to drink him in. A dusting of bronze light surrounded him, making his skin glow and his eyes look a little brighter, as Legend leaned against a leafy wall on the opposite side of the enclosure. He was dressed in shades of charcoal black except for the deep red trousers he wore, tucked into tall polished boots. His coat was longer than usual, nearly to the ground, with a regal high collar lined in intricate thread the same color as the bronze light surrounding him, as if bits of the setting sun had stayed behind just to cling to him. “You’re such a show-off,” she teased. He gave her a devastating grin. “Only when I’m trying to impress a girl.” His eyes took their time looking her over, sparking a little as they lingered on the delicate ribbons that made up her bodice, before finally meeting her eyes. “You’re beautiful.” He pushed off the wall and stalked closer.

Augggggggh !!!!! I love them so much

Their secluded corner of the maze was growing brighter, full of infant stars that glittered and danced and shined, but Legend’s gaze remained firmly on hers, intent and intense and as intimate as any touch.

“But I don’t want your immortality, Legend. I want your love.”

Then his lips were on hers. Severe. Quick. Hot. And gone far too soon.

This was why Tella had always liked Julian. He never gave up on Scarlett.

Just because it was a negative emotion didn’t mean it wasn’t a valuable one.

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.

If the last few days had proved anything, it was how painfully quick the world could tilt and shift.

There was a flash of red on his arm as he moved, where his bandage had been. It was gone now, and in its place, on the underside of his arm, was a tattooed star filled in with a strong shade of red ink. Tears instantly pricked at the corners of her eyes. “It’s scarlet,” she gasped. Julian gave her a timid smile. “It’s actually crimson.” “But—but—” She stammered over what to say. He’d done this when they hadn’t even been speaking and he had no assurance they’d be together. “I didn’t want to wait,” he said, easily reading her thoughts on her face. “I 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.

I choose you, Julian, and I promise I will always choose you, and I will always love you. I will love you with every bone in my body, so that even after my heart stops beating, a part of me will remain to forever love you.”

“You’re the same as you’ve always been, we just know more about you now. But it doesn’t change you—not unless you let it. And this news doesn’t change us, either. Even if we didn’t share any blood at all, I would still call you my sister and I would battle anyone who tried to say it wasn’t true. You are my family, Scarlett. Who your birth father is doesn’t change that.”

She loved so many things about him. She wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone—she didn’t want him to let her go or to leave her alone, not even for a moment. She wanted him to chase her to the ends of the earth, to show up in her dreams every night, and to be there when she woke as well. She wanted him to love her.

Time was rushing faster than blood could pour out of a sliced artery.

She didn’t and doesn’t need you to save her. She needs to save you.”

“I don’t know if you’re my true love, Donatella. All I know is that I want you to be.”

Maybe that was love. All this time, she’d wanted him to love her, and she’d hurt knowing that he hadn’t, but maybe she hadn’t really been loving him. She’d chosen him, she’d fought for him, she’d felt for him, but she hadn’t been willing to sacrifice what she wanted for him.

He could have set the room on fire from the intensity of his stare.

And I shouldn’t have gotten scared and run away when I realized that I was falling in love with you.”

I’ve never loved anyone before. But I love everything about you, Donatella Dragna. Everything.”

“This is my choice, and I choose you, Donatella. I don’t need immortality. You’re my forever.”