Page 18 of Tamed By the Lion Freak

She hushed that little voice in her head. Just because it never had lasted before, didn’t mean this time it wouldn’t.

Or was she kidding herself?

Kitty pulled on a pair of worn jeans and a simple black top, then slipped outside. The carnival was still in full swing, lights blazing and music blaring. Perfect for a bit of covert exploration.

She wove through the crowd, observing the mix of wonder and unease on the faces around her. Children shrieked with delight on garish rides while their parents watched with nervous smiles. Everywhere, carnival barkers called out promises of amazement and horror in equal measure.

Kitty was drawn to the outskirts of the midway, where the tents of the other performers were clustered. Maybe here, away from the prying eyes of the public, she might learn more about this strange, intoxicating world she'd entered.

As she approached, she caught snippets of conversation drifting on the night air.

"I hate this..."

Kitty peered around the corner of a tent to see Clio, one of the acrobats, sprawled out on the ground. She rolled over and cradled her bruised knee. “This is just ridiculous.”

"It's the price we pay," said a voice Kitty recognized as belonging to Vladimir, the knife-thrower. "But you have to admit, your act has never been more spectacular."

Clio laughed bitterly. "True enough. I guess it’s fortunate the audience can’t see me now."

Kitty's brow furrowed. Clio looked fine to her. But as she watched, Clio moved clumsily as she slowly pulled herself to a standing position. Her arms wheeling, she fought for balance until finally dropping down gracelessly into a foldable chair.

Kitty crept closer, careful to stay hidden in the shadows.

"At least you don't have to deal with this," Vladimir was saying. He held out his hand, which trembled violently.

How could he throw a knife if he shook like that? But Kitty remembered seeing his act. His aim had been perfect.

"Madame Noir's bargains are cruel," Clio murmured. "But effective."

She wondered what they bargained for, wished they could tell her. If Leo had been cursed to be a lion during the night, had Vladimir and Clio been cursed to be clumsy and shaky when they weren’t performing?

And what about her? As far as she knew, she only accepted a job offer. She didn’t feel any different. Or rather, she didn’t feel cursed. Was her insta-lust with Leo part of the bargain or just a by product of the carnival’s hunger? She had wanted her heart to heal over Marco’s betrayal and she had wanted to find a home again. Was that the bargain she had struck with Madame Noir?

If so, what would be the cost of that bargain? To be hated by the crowds for all eternity? Or would it be that once she and Leo were away from the carnival, all these magic happy feelings would end. Was she only happy because the carnival was feeding off her lust?

The sound of approaching footsteps sent her scurrying deeper into the maze of tents. She found herself near the tarot reader's booth, where Sally sat alone, her eyes staring down at her cards.

"I know you're there, Kitty," Sally called. "No use hiding from a seer, even one as limited as myself."

Hesitantly, Kitty stepped into view. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."

Sally waved a hand dismissively. "No need for apologies. I imagine you have questions."

Kitty moved closer, drawn by the enigmatic smile on Sally's face. "I overheard some of the others talking about their curses. I know about Leo’s, a little of it anyway. Some of the others also seem to have made a bargain with Madame Noir. I was wondering if you knew why?”

For a long moment, Sally was silent. "The ones who have bargained with Madame Noir are unable to talk about it," she finally said. "I can say, she granted our desires—for a price. If there were consequences to be paid, we paid it.” She shrugged.

“Leo said as much. Was it a formal contract? Were the terms spelled out? Or were you all taken by surprise by the curse?”

“It was very clear to us what the payment for our miracle would be.”

“Miracles?”

“Magic. Miracles.” Sally shrugged. “I paid her price gladly.”

"Was it worth it?"

A sad smile played across Sally's lips. "That is the question we all ask ourselves, isn't it? For me... yes. Even knowing what I know now, I would make the same choice again."

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