Page 70 of Carnival Shadows

Istep out of our trailer into the crisp morning air of Cedar Grove, watching the carnival come to life around me. The Ferris wheel rises against pine-covered mountains, a testament to the crew’s efficiency.

“Need help with that?” I call out to Aurora, who’s struggling with an armload of stuffed animals for the game booth. Her face lights up as I jog over.

“Thanks, Eden. These things multiply overnight, I swear.” She hands me half the pile. “How are you settling in?”

“Better than expected. Though I’m still learning everyone’s routines.” We walk together, arranging the prizes at her booth. “The podcast studio setup is almost complete.”

Tilly emerges behind her computer station, her chestnut hair tied in a messy bun. “Speaking of tech, want to see what I’ve done with the security feeds? I’ve added some cool features.”

“Show me everything,” I say, genuinely interested. Tilly guides me through her system upgrades, and Aurora perches on the counter, adding commentary and laughter to our conversation.

“We should have a girls’ night since the carnival doesn’t open until tomorrow night,” Aurora suggests, twirling a strand of herdark hair. “Nothing fancy, just pizza and maybe some board games in my trailer.”

“I’m in,” Tilly chimes. “I have Scrabble. I’ll bring it.”

The thought of belonging somewhere, of having real friends who understand this life, fills my chest with warmth. “Count me in too. I’ll bring drinks.”

“Great idea,” Aurora beams. “I’ll invite Lily, Sofia, Flora, and Alice too.”

I nod, though my stomach tightens at the thought of more people. I’ve seen the other girls around the carnival but haven’t interacted much. Lily works at one of the food stands, her quiet efficiency drawing less attention than Aurora’s bubbly personality. Sofia carries herself with an elegant confidence that makes me a bit nervous. Flora seems shy but kind, often helping at various booths. And Alice radiates this fierce protective energy, especially around Lily.

“That would be nice,” I say, arranging the last stuffed animal. “I should probably get to know everyone better.”

“They’re all really great,” Tilly states, closing her laptop. “Flora makes these amazing cookies, and Sofia always has the best stories. Alice keeps us laughing all night, and Lily...” She smiles fondly. “Lily has this way of making everyone feel comfortable.”

“Plus,” Aurora winks, “it’s about time we properly welcomed you to our little carnival family. The guys may run things, but us girls stick together.”

The way she says “family” catches in my chest. I’ve spent so long studying others, observing from the outside, that being included feels foreign yet wonderful. These women don’t know my twisted side, but they offer friendship anyway.

“What time should I come over?” I ask, surprising myself with how much I look forward to it.

“Seven,” Aurora says, gathering her cleaning supplies. “And don’t forget those drinks!”

“I won’t,” I promise, waving goodbye to her and Tilly before heading back across the carnival grounds.

The early afternoon sun warms my face as I walk, my boots crunching on the gravel. I can’t help but smile, thinking about how different my life is now compared to just months ago when I was alone in my apartment, obsessing over true crime cases.

I unlock our trailer door quietly, slipping inside. The sight of Remy sprawled across our bed makes my heart stutter. His muscular arm is flung over his eyes, tattoos stark against his skin. His chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm.

The door clicks shut behind me, and his arm moves. Those intense eyes are fixed on me immediately, alert despite his relaxed posture.

“Where were you?” His voice is rough with sleep.

“Helping Aurora with her booth. The girls invited me to a get-together tonight.” I shed my jacket, hanging it by the door. “Just pizza and games in Aurora’s trailer.”

Remy sits up, the sheets pooling around his waist. “Good. You should go.”

I pause, studying his face. “You’re okay with that?”

“Eden.” He reaches for me, and I climb onto the bed between his spread knees. His hands settle on my hips. “You’re mine. That doesn’t change whether you’re here or hanging out with the girls.”

I run my fingers through his sleep-mussed hair. “I know. I wasn’t sure you’d want me to spend time away.”

“The carnival women look after their own.” His thumbs stroke my hip bones through my jeans. “Besides, I have some business to handle tonight with Ty.”

“What kind of business?” I ask, my fingers stilling in his hair. The memory of Miguel Martinez’s men attacking the carnival is still fresh.

“Just a deal. Nothing major.” Remy pulls me closer, but I resist slightly.

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