Page 110 of Chaos Carnival

“And you said you weren’t into horror.” But I couldn't help smiling. Oscar had a way of cutting through all our carefully cultivated mystique.

“I’m a 'discerning critic.' And speaking of criticism—that new trick with the mirror maze? Delightfully wicked. Though perhaps a touch heavy-handed with the existential dread. Sometimes a simple 'boo' is just as effective as showing someone their own death.”

I rolled my eyes. “Says the consciousness trapped in a crystal skull.”

“Precisely why I'm qualified to comment on existential horror.” His glow shimmered with what I recognized as his version of a smirk. “Your little family of monsters has surpassed even my expectations. Who would have thought that the path to artistic transcendence lay through ritualized terror?”

“We provide a service,” I protested, though I couldn't quite keep the amusement from my voice. “People come here wanting to be scared.”

“Oh yes, and you deliver that in spades. Quite clever, really. Wilde approved.”

I watched the last echoes of fear ripple through as the audience filed out, their excited chatter mixing with nervous laughter. The show's energy hummed in my bones, the air thick with lingering magic.

The tent flap rustled as the others entered, still riding their performance high. Addie practically bounced in, her dress still glimmering in the darkness. Cross followed, bones clicking in his pockets, while Bex's hair still smoldered faintly from her fire dance.

“Did you see their faces during the mirror maze?” Addie gushed. “I thought that one guy was going to pass out!”

“The fear spike was exquisite,” Cross agreed, absently reshaping a finger bone.

Before I could respond, Maverick strode in, still radiating energy from his performance. He made straight for me, taking my face in his hands and his lips found mine in a fierce kiss that set the room on fire. I melted into him, the lingering adrenaline and magic.

“Get a room, you two!” Addie called out, but the smile rang clear.

Maverick pulled back just enough to rest his forehead to mine. “You were bewitching tonight,” he murmured, his thumbs stroking my cheeks.

I nestled deeper into his embrace as Stone and Lux entered, their forces crackling with post-performance satisfaction.

“Perimeter's clear,” Stone reported, rolling his shoulders. “And the wards are stronger than ever. That finale really got them going.”

Lux agreed, sprawling gracefully onto one of the cushioned chairs. His eyes were still fever-bright from feeding.

The enchantment pulsed contentedly, gorged on the night's emotional feast. A warm, heavy feeling, like after a perfect meal—everyone's satisfaction—hummed through our various bonds.

“The way that man screamed when his reflection started bleeding,” Addie giggled. “Pure gold.”

“My personal favorite was the woman who tried to rationalize the bone dragon as 'advanced robotics,'” Cross added.

Maverick's chest rumbled with laughter against my back. “Humans will convince themselves of anything to avoid facing the truth.”

“And that's exactly why this works so beautifully,” Lux added, stretching like a satisfied cat. “Their minds do half the work for us.”

The contentment of my found family washed over me. Eris bleated in agreement, headbutting Stone's leg affectionately. Even Oscar seemed to pulse with satisfied energy.

“The shadows dance with starlight teeth, while time bleeds backward through the seams...” The words spilled from my lips unbidden, my voice taking on that dreamy quality that worried everyone so much.

Maverick's warm hand closed around mine, pulling me back to the present moment. “Someone's in need of some endorphins… Night all!” His voice cut through the whispers, playful but with an undertone of concern.

A giggle bubbled up from my chest, half-mad and half-knowing. The others' amusement and understanding flowed through our bonds as they bid us goodnight.

Maverick tugged me toward the door of the tent, his touch sending pleasant shivers up my arm. The air shimmered with anticipation.

I felt his mix of desire and protective instinct, the need to ground me before I drifted too far. His grip was gentle but insistent as he guided me toward our caravan. I followed, centered by his presence, curling into Maverick's side as we strolled.

Who would have thought this would be my life?

A year ago, I was just a witch trying to make ends meet. Now I was something... more. Something that helped build this wonderful, terrible circus.

Maverick's arm tightened around me as if sensing my thoughts. The love flowing through our bond made me catch my breath. It was still overwhelming sometimes, how much I felt for this man who'd crashed into my life and turned it into something I’d never wanted but couldn’t get enough of.

“You're thinking too loud,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I smiled, letting my head rest on his shoulder, unable to explain in plain English just yet, that I was grateful. For everything. For him.

I'd seen countless possible futures, timelines where we all chose different paths, but somehow, against all odds, they'd chosen to stay. To build this dark sanctuary with me, despite what I'd become.

Fate whispered other possibilities, other futures we might have had. But this—this beautiful, twisted family we'd created—was better than anything I could have orchestrated.

Even with all the power in the universe, I’d learned that some things couldn't be predicted or controlled. And that was more than okay. It was perfect in its own imperfect way.

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