Page 51 of Carnival Monster

With a scream of rage and anguish, she plunges the jagged edge of the bottle into his chest. I watch in awe as she twists it, driving it deeper, her face contorted with agony.

Her father gasps, his eyes wide with shock. Blood bubbles from his lips as he struggles to breathe. But it’s too late. The light fades from his eyes, and he slumps to the floor, still and silent.

Aurora stands over him, her chest heaving. The bottle slips from her fingers, clattering to the ground. I move to her side, gathering her in my arms as she collapses against me.

“It’s over,” I murmur, stroking her hair. “The bastard can’t hurt you anymore. You’re free, little one.”

We stay like that, holding each other amidst the carnage. The darkness inside me quiets, sated by the vengeance we’ve wrought together.

29

EPILOGUE

AURORA

Six months later…

Iwipe the sweat from my brow, grinning as I listen to Alice’s latest joke. The carnival lights flicker around us, casting long shadows across the fairground as we close down the food stand.

“I swear, if I have to smell another corn dog, I might just lose it,” Lily groans, tossing a trash bag into the bin.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh, come on, you know you love it.”

“She’s right,” Alice chimes in, her eyes twinkling. “I’ve seen you sneak a bite when you think no one’s looking.”

“How dare you. I don’t eat that stuff.” She holds a hand to her chest, a smirk on her lips.

Lily’s mock outrage sends us into fits of giggles.

Folding up the last of the tablecloths, I can’t help but marvel at how natural this all feels now. Nine months ago, I never could have imagined myself here, surrounded by the whimsical chaos of carnival life. And now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Gage has given me true freedom beyond anything I could have imagined. When he took me to get justice and end my father’s life, it was a turning point for me. I only wish there was some way to give him the same release, but the man responsible for his darkness is already dead.

However, after much encouragement, I’ve gotten him to draw more. His sketch of me was so good, and he has an amazing talent—one that Tyson is getting him to use in making banners for the carnival.

And Dan and Charlotte have already visited us a couple of times. I keep in touch with them weekly, and although I miss them so much, I’ve found two amazing friends, Lily and Alice.

“Earth to Aurora,” Alice waves her hand before my face. “You zoning out on us again?”

I blink, realizing I’d gotten lost in thought. “Sorry, just... taking it all in, you know?”

Lily’s expression softens. “Still can’t believe you’re one of us carnies now, huh?”

“Sometimes,” I admit, looking around at the twinkling lights and colorful tents. “But I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

As we finish cleaning up, the sounds of the carnival winding down for the night surround us. The distant laughter of stragglers, the creaking of rides being shut off, and the muffled music from the last few game booths have become a comforting symphony to me.

“Race you to the trailers?” Alice suggests.

“You’re on,” Lily and I chorus, and we take off running, our laughter echoing through the night air.

I race toward the trailers, my heart light with laughter. The carnival’s dying sounds fade behind me as I run, my feet pounding against the packed earth. Suddenly, a pair of massive hands grab me from behind. Before I can scream, one clamps over my mouth, silencing me instantly.

My body tenses, adrenaline flooding my system. I watch helplessly as Lily and Alice disappear into the night, oblivious. Fear grips me as I realize I’m alone, at the mercy of whoever has me in their grasp.

But then I catch his scent—that unmistakable mix of musk, grease, and something uniquely him. Gage. My racing heart slows a fraction.

I struggle against his iron grip, more out of instinct than a genuine desire to escape. His breath is hot against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. Despite the fear, I feel a familiar thrill building inside me.

He drags me backward, away from the lights and into the shadows between trailers.

---