Page 75 of Carnival Shadows

I shift position behind a row of game stalls, keeping to the shadows. My boots make no sound on the packed earth as I track her movements. She pauses, head tilting as if she’s sensed something. Good. I want her aware, want that delicious tension building.

The note I left waits in her bag, carefully placed where she’ll find it: “Run, little stalker. I’m coming for you.” Our agreed signal is that the game is on. My pulse quickens as she reaches for her bag, knowing the moment approaches.

Her breath catches when she finds it. Even from here, I can see her breathing grow quick and shallow as she reads those few words. Her head snaps up, scanning the darkness surrounding her. Smart girl, but she won’t spot me. Not until I want her to.

She backs away from the booth, cautious in every movement now. The click of her shoes on the wooden platform seemsimpossibly loud in the silence. A twig snaps somewhere in the shadows—not from me, but it makes her jump. The fear response looks beautiful on her.

Eden runs, heading for the tree line behind the carnival just as we planned. Her dark hair streams behind her as she disappears into the woods. My lips curl into a predatory smile as I give her the head start we discussed.

The hunt begins. The carnival lights dim behind us as I follow her trail into the darkness, savoring each moment of pursuit. This is what we both need—this dance of predator and willing prey.

The mask feels right against my skin as I stalk through the trees. Her footprints leave clear tracks in the soft earth, and she’s not trying to hide them.

The rope trap waits ahead, nearly invisible in the darkness. I slow, watching her silhouette move closer to the trigger point. My breath comes faster beneath the mask, anticipation building as she approaches.

A sharp gasp pierces the night. The rope snaps tight, and Eden’s body jerks upward. The trap works perfectly, suspending her above the ground, legs bound together as she dangles upside down. Her hands grasp uselessly at the air as she swings gently, helplessly.

“Remy?” Her voice carries equal parts fear and excitement. She twists in the rope, trying to spot me in the darkness.

I emerge from the shadows, letting her take in my predatory stance. My boots crush fallen leaves as I circle her suspended form. She follows my movement with wide eyes, breath coming in quick pants.

The rope creaks as she struggles weakly, testing her bonds. We both know it’s futile. I’ve left her completely at my mercy, exactly as she fantasized in those journal entries.

I pause my circling, standing directly in front of Eden. Her body sways gently in the rope trap, dark hair hanging down like a curtain. The moonlight catches the tears gathering in her eyes.

“Please...” she whispers. “Stop.”

The word sends a jolt through me. Our agreed signal is that she wants to play this scene out fully. My hand shoots out, gripping her chin roughly.

“Stop?” I growl through the mask. “You watched me. Obsessed over me. And now you want me to stop?”

Eden’s breath hitches. “I-I was wrong. I shouldn’t have... please just let me go.”

My fingers tighten on her jaw. “Too late for that. Far too late.”

“No,” she whimpers, struggling against the ropes. “Someone help! Please!”

Her cries echo through the empty woods. We both know no one will hear her. That’s why we chose this spot, far from prying eyes or ears.

“Scream all you want,” I tell her, running my other hand down her exposed throat. “No one’s coming to save you.”

“Don’t do this,” Eden begs. Tears spill down her temples now. “I won’t tell anyone what I saw. Just let me go.”

I lean in close, my mask brushing her ear. “But I want you to tell them, little stalker. I want you to remember everything I do to you.”

Her whole body trembles at my words. “Please... stop...”

Her pleading turns me on even more. I can’t resist taking the game further. With swift movements, I tear at her clothes, ripping the fabric to expose her body. She tries to twist away but is completely at my mercy, trapped and vulnerable in the ropes.

Her chest heaves as I move closer, pulling a knife from my jacket. I slice through the remaining straps, careful to avoid her skin. Fabric falls away, baring her to the night air.

“Please...” The word is barely audible.

“Shh, little stalker. Isn’t this your fantasy?” I run the knife gently along her collarbone, down between her breasts. “To be caught, exposed... helpless.”

She squeezes her eyes shut as if she can escape me through denial. But her body betrays her, nipples tightening as the night air caresses her skin. I let the blade trace a path down her stomach, enjoying her helplessness.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” I whisper, standing so close she can feel the heat of my body. My free hand catches her chin, forcing her eyes open. “Look at me. See who’s caught you.”

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