Caraval

Julian didn't want to be offended that Scarlett thought he'd be so easily fooled by her note; he'd been going for disreputable, not unintelligent.

I need to see you tonight.

Meet me at Del Ojos Beach.

One hour past midnight.

It's important.

He had never seen Donatella's handwriting, so maybe it was a good forgery. But Julian couldn't imagine the younger Dragna sister signing her letters with a heart. Only romantics signed things like that. And Scarlett Dragna was obviously a romantic. She probably believed in things like love at first sight. He'd have bet a month's wages she was already half in love with Legend, even though she had a fiancé.

Not that it was Julian's concern. His only job was to get this girl and her sister to Legend's island. Then he would be done with them and with Caraval.

He kicked up a cloud of black sand as he stepped onto Del Ojos beach, where Scarlett had asked him to meet - in the dead of night, underneath a nearly full moon. Further proof this girl was a hopeless romantic. He had nothing in common with romantics. They were always the ones who got too swept up in Caraval.

Though, Julian had to admit, as he caught a glimpse of her from the distance, she was a very pretty romantic. He might have paused near the edge of the beach to watch her. If she'd been paying better attention, she would have noticed him, but she was too busy staring up at the stars, probably wishing they might save her from her en-

counter with him.

She looked more vulnerable than she had earlier that day, or the first time she'd seen him. He'd noticed her as soon as he'd arrived on the island and had been pleased to learn that she was one of his targets. But then he'd met her that afternoon. Even before he'd messed up with her father and failed to protect her sister - or her - he could see that Scarlett had already made up her mind about him, and it wasn't a favorable opinion. Not that he'd been enchanted with her personality, either. He'd been friendly to her, and at first she'd completely ignored him; then she'd dismissed him entirely.

Maybe she'd be a good match for Legend after all. Julian would love to see her dismiss him. Not that Julian would be there for it. Once he got her to the island, she was on her own.

Waves clapped against the shore, muffling the sound of his footsteps, but Scarlett looked up sharply as he approached.

"You were not the sister I was expecting." Julian strolled closer, only a little pleased that she couldn't seem to take her eyes off him. Of course, she looked as if she thought he might bite her. But she didn't back away. Maybe she secretly wanted him to get close enough to take a bite?

"I'm guessing you've changed your mind about my offer?" he asked smoothly.

"No," she replied, stubborn as she'd been in the barrel room, "but I have a counteroffer for you."

She thrust out a handful of Caraval tickets as if they were worthless slips of paper. "You can have all three. Use them or sell them, as long as you leave here early, and without Donatella."

Julian should have stroked his jaw or examined the priceless tickets. The character he was playing would have undoubtedly been tempted by her offer. But for some reason, he didn't want Scarlett to think he was tempted, or that he would even consider abandoning these girls to their father just to play a game.

"Ahh," he said on an exaggerated sigh, barely giving the tickets a glance, "so it's a bribe."

Scarlett winced at the accusation. "My sister is impulsive. She wants to leave with you, but she has no idea how dangerous it is. If our father catches her, he will do far worse than he did today."

"But she'll be safe if she stays here?" Julian asked.

He had to give this girl credit for loyalty to her sister, but she was going about this entirely the wrong way. He wasn't sure about her sister's plans, either, but at least they'd both be safer on Legend's island... or they should be.

Not that he cared.

"When I get married, I plan to take her with me," Scarlett said.

Another terrible idea.

There was really no point in arguing with this girl now, and yet he couldn't help asking, "But does she want to go with you?"

"She'll thank me for it later." Scarlett lifted her chin imperiously.

Julian fought the urge to laugh - that's not what his character would have done at all, and it felt a little cruel. He bared a wolfish smile instead. "You know, that's exactly what your sister said to me earlier." He lowered his voice, so that she could hear the sound of her sister creeping up.

To Julian, Donatella's steps were clumsy, nervous, but Scarlett looked panicked as she turned to see her sister's dark-cloaked form behind her.

"I'm sorry to do this," Donatella said to Scarlett, "but you're the one who taught me there's nothing more important than taking care of a sister."

That was Julian's cue.

He tried not to think about what he was doing as he clamped a drugged cloth over Scarlett's mouth and nose. Frantically she fought to claw it away, and he almost let her. He hated this part of the plan - he hated the fear widening her eyes and the helpless flail of her limbs. But the cloth worked too quickly for him to reconsider. Julian felt the girl's body go limp, but he didn't let her fall. He wrapped her in his arms and held her close to his chest.

Tella eyed him cautiously. "Do you need help with her?"

"Of course not," Julian said, as if he kidnapped girls every day, and he must have been convincing.

Tella often wore the same half-wary expression, but she'd turned it up to completely damning. "Don't," she said.

"Don't what?"

"You know what I'm warning you about."

"No - I'm not Legend, I don't read minds." Although, despite rumors, neither did Legend. But Julian didn't like the way Donatella was glaring at him. It was one thing for her sister to eye him like he was a blackguard, but Tella knew he was only playing a role.

"You're not what my sister needs," she said, reminding him a bit of his brother with her controlling tone. "When we get to the island, do us both a favor and stay away from her."

"I'm just doing a job," Julian said. "I would never hurt her."

"But you're a performer." Tella said it like an accusation. "Isn't it your job to seduce all the girls and make them fall in love with you?"

"I think you're confusing me with Legend." In fact, Legend had warned Julian to stay away from Scarlett Dragna; he had special plans for her. But Julian couldn't see his brother winning over Scarlett. She didn't need someone to charm her. She needed-No. Julian couldn't think about what the unconscious girl in his arms needed.

He loosened his grip from her body.

She wasn't for him. And her sister was right; he wasn't for her.

The ruins of the cursed wife were more forsaken than the last time Legend had been here. It had once been a crumbling governor's palace, but now the decrepit columns and collapsing porticos appeared to only be held together by dead vines, as if more than two months had passed since the night he had carried Tella here.

From the moment they'd arrived, all Legend could think about was that evening months ago when he'd brought her to this place, how Tella had felt in his arms, then on his lap, her hands in his hair as he took her mouth with his, the way he wished he could right now.

Legend stalked around the ruin's namesake fountain. Wine spilled through the cracks in the stones as he searched for a symbol that could represent the Immortal Library.

He and Tella weren't agreeing on much at present, but they both agreed the symbol that would let them summon the Fated library was probably hidden in one of Valenda's ruins. Otherwise Legend would have never allowed her to drag him back here.

I want you, she'd said that night.

But she hadn't really wanted him, she'd wanted Dante. A human, a mortal, someone who could love her the way that he would never be able to.

I fell more in love with the idea of you than the actual you-that's what she said last night.

Tella gave a delicate snort.

Legend didn't react. His shoulders didn't shift and his head didn't turn away from the fountain to see what she thought was so funny.

She wasn't supposed to be laughing. She was supposed to be as miserable as he was.

Legend closed his eyes and raked a hand through his hair. He didn't actually want her to be miserable. He wanted her happy, safe, alive - and ideally, immortal. But this place was doing strange things to him.

He started toward the cracked steps that led back down to the streets. "Are you coming?"

"Depends on where you're going."

The voice hit Legend like a musical punch in the throat. He'd never heard it before. Didn't like the sick-sweet sound of it. To human ears it might have been pretty, but to Legend, the sweetness was rotted, Fated.

He instantly tried to move in front of the steps to block Tella from the voice. But he wasn't quick enough.

Tella was already at his side, her wide expressive eyes glazing over as a Fate ascended the stairs.

One fast glance and Legend could see that this immortal looked like someone else's idea of beautiful, dressed in a silky thing that billowed above the splintered ground. If the magic in her voice hadn't given her identity away, the ancient symbols that covered the gold circlet on her head would have.

Behold, Priestess, Priestess of the hypnotic voice.

"Aren't you a handsome one?" she cooed.

Long-forgotten memories of Esmeralda saying the exact same thing assaulted Legend's mind. He could have pushed them aside; he could have tried to resist the lesser Fate's magic for a while. But he didn't want to risk angering her. He might have been able to resist her questions, but it would be fatal to Tella if she fought too hard against them.

He flashed the Priestess the charming smile he usually reserved for his performances. "Most people think so."

The Fate's eyes lit up, eager and hungry, but then she turned to Tella and something ugly filled her gaze. "Do you think so?"

Tella's lips parted, a tiny gasp slipping out. "You should see him without a shirt on. He's magnificent."

The Fate laughed.

Legend could have murdered her. If the Priestess actually hurt Tella, he would kill her.

"I can already see that playing with you two will be fun," purred the Fate. "Would you like to stay here and play with me?"

Legend heard Tella's breathing turn shallow as if she were fighting against the question this time.

"I'm afraid we have somewhere else we need to be," Legend said, quickly breaking the spell that would have killed Tella had she continued to stubbornly battle it.

"That's disappointing." The Fate pouted. "Where are you two going that could possibly be more interesting than spending time with me?" She placed a possessive hand on Legend's arm.

Legend wanted to pry it off, and he'd have loved to have broken it. But he needed to keep her distracted until Tella was away from here and safe. He gathered his magic, could feel it prickling all over his skin, but it wasn't quite enough. It would be a couple of minutes until he'd be able to create a strong enough illusion to make the Fate run off, but he wanted Tella to get out of there first.

"We're going to ruins around Valenda in search of the Immortal Library," Legend said, still resisting the urge to break the Fate's hand. It was on his neck now, playing over his pulse.

"That place isn't meant for humans." The Fate threaded even more magic through her voice, filling the air with sweet decay. "What would I need to do to make you stay here with me instead?"

Legend would have stayed there forever, as long as it meant he could keep Tella safe. The words were on the tip of his tongue, begging to be let out-

Then Tella was shouting at the top of her lungs, "Nothing will change his mind!" Her glare was vicious as she answered for him. Because of course she wasn't running.

Priestess, Priestess's lips thinned, and her attention shifted to Tella. "You don't have a strong sense of self-preservation, do you?"

"I'm stronger than most people think," Tella cut in, too bold for her own good.

Legend wished she'd kept quiet, but he found himself smiling at her.

And before the Fate could ask another question, Legend finished gathering his magic and let it pour out everywhere.

The ground began to shake. The ruins rattled. The steps split and the cursed fountain cracked in half, dark wine spilling all over. The remains of the ruined mansion collapsed in a thunderous cloud of dust and debris. Legend couldn't see Tella, or the Fate - everything was dust, confusion. The Fate's hand fell away from his neck. But he didn't stop. He continued to pour the power pulsing through his veins into the illusion so that it spread beyond these ruins and throughout the entire city.

Immortals couldn't be killed permanently, but they could still die. And though this illusion couldn't kill the Fate, she didn't know that it was just that - an illusion.

He heard her scurry away, but he didn't cease the illusion. He needed her to keep running until he knew she wouldn't come back, and-

"Legend?" Tella's terrified voice cried out. "Tell me you're doing this." Legend reined in what remained of his power, and the ruins returned to what they had been. The only thing that remained changed was Tella. Her face had lost all of its color, making her look suddenly vulnerable.

It took Legend more effort than it should have to reach her. He didn't normally do illusions of this magnitude outside of Caraval.

Tella reached out and wrapped her petite arm around his waist. He wasn't weak enough to need her help to stand, but he was enough of a bastard not to correct her assumption.

"You didn't have to go to all that trouble," Tella said.

Legend let himself touch her, putting a hand on the back of her head and running it through her soft curls. "I didn't want her asking questions you might refuse to answer."

"I'm not that stubborn," Tella huffed.

"Yes, you are... but I like that about you." His hand lowered and wrapped around the defenseless back of her neck as he tilted her face until she was looking up at him. Her eyes were wide, searching, and her teeth were sinking into her lower lip, making her look thoughtful and even more vulnerable. He knew he'd have to pull away soon, but he wasn't ready to let her go yet.

He was tempted to ask her about becoming immortal again. Had the Priestess stayed longer, or been a stronger Fate, Tella could have died.

But she'd already made her choice. She wanted love more than she wanted immortality, and Legend could never give her that.

He released her neck and pulled away. "We should go."

"But I've just gotten here." The Prince of Hearts appeared at the top of the steps. He leaned against a crumbling rail as if he'd been watching for a while.

Legend's muscles tensed.

Aiko had been right last night when she'd said not all of the Fates were evil. There were levels of depravity. And the Prince of Hearts was on the lowest one. The part of Legend that was the most immortal, the most unfeeling, the furthest away from human, wanted to eviscerate the Prince of Hearts on sight. And it wasn't just because Legend noticed the way Tella blushed the moment the Fate had arrived.

Legend gathered his remaining strength to cut the prince off with another illusion before he could say one more word. But Jacks's magic moved faster. While he carelessly leaned against the crumbling rail, his magic latched on to Legend's heart, digging in like nails to stop it, freezing him in place, the same way he had the night of the Fated Ball when he'd stopped everyone from moving.

Legend had underestimated the Prince of Hearts then. He'd thought because the prince wasn't at his full powers that he wasn't a critical threat. But even at half powers, he could kill with a kiss and put a stranglehold on hearts; his abilities were deadlier than Legend's illusions.

And Legend's illusions were being choked right now. He tried to summon his powers, but he couldn't even move.

"Jacks!" Tella demanded. "What are you doing to him?"

But the Prince of Hearts ignored her as he strolled toward Legend. "You know, I wondered if you were Legend during Caraval. But I honestly thought you would have been subtler."

"He's not Legend," Tella lied, and she sounded impressively convincing. She must have realized what Legend had known the moment the Prince of Hearts had appeared. Jacks was the only Fate who was currently at half power, and Legend was the one with the ability to restore it fully.

The Prince of Hearts cocked his head at Tella. "If he's not Legend, then why is he alive? The reports I heard said the new heir had been killed."

"Those were rumors," Tella said. "I started them to keep the Fates away."

Jacks laughed but his eyes remained cold. "For once I hope you're lying, my love. And if you're not, then I'm so sorry."

Tella clutched her breastbone, doubling over in pain and crying out.

"What the hell-" Legend cursed, his heart no longer in the Prince of Heart's control as the Fate shifted his magic to Tella.

"Don't make another move toward her," Jacks warned, "unless you wish her to die."

Tella dropped to her knees, her beautiful face contorted in pain as her skin turned all the wrong colors.

"Jacks-" Tella gasped. "Why... "

"What have you done?" Legend roared.

"I'm giving her a heart attack," Jacks said calmly. "It will kill her very soon, unless you give me my full powers back right now. Tick. Tock. She doesn't have long left."

"Jacks... " Tella panted, something like betrayal flashing in her eyes, "don't... "

"I'll do it," Legend said. It wasn't even a question. Not when it came to Tella. "Stop hurting her now, and I'll restore your powers. But only if you swear right now, in blood, to never use any of your abilities on Tella or on me."

Jacks was only one Fate - he wouldn't drain Legend of power the way the rest of the Fates had when they'd woken. Legend would only be minimally affected by the exchange of magic. But if the Prince of Hearts didn't agree to Legend's conditions, then Tella could be destroyed by him.

As one of the Greater Fates, the Prince of Hearts was far more powerful than a Lesser Fate like Priestess, Priestess. With his full powers, the prince could control emotions and make people feel whatever he wanted. Tella wouldn't be strong enough to resist it. Even now, as the Prince of Hearts threatened to kill her, he still looked entirely obsessed with her. Legend couldn't let him have this power over her.

The prince's mouth tightened then his eyes flickered back to Tella, slumped on the ground. "You have a deal." Jacks sliced his hand, creating a spill of blood to seal the promise.

Tella started gasping, panting for air. "You're a demon!" she rasped at Jacks.

Legend's arms went around her as she continued to curse, holding her tighter than he should have. "You scared me," he murmured, when she finally quieted.

"What will this cost you?" she said against his chest, her breathing far more ragged than his.

Instead of answering, he carefully walked her to the edge of the fountain and helped her sit on the rim. He wanted to carry her away, the way he'd carried her here months ago. In her weak condition she might have even let him. "Stay. I'll be right back."

Legend turned to the Prince of Hearts. "We're not doing this here." He stalked into the ruins of the decrepit mansion, stopping as soon as he knew he was out of Tella's sight.

"Someone's a poor loser," drawled Jacks behind him.

"I just don't like you."

"Then I guess we have something in common."

"Let's just get this over with." Legend rolled up his sleeve before he reached for a dagger. But the Prince of Hearts decided to use his teeth to pierce Legend's wrist instead.

Legend clenched his jaw. But that was the only reaction he gave to Jacks. These exchanges could be intense and emotional if the participants let down their mental shields, or didn't know how to protect their thoughts. But Legend had impenetrable walls. All he gave away was blood and magic.

The Prince of Hearts managed to keep most of his thoughts and feelings carefully hidden as well. All Legend felt was the cold press of his teeth, until right as the prince finished, Legend felt a flash of jealousy paired with a glowing image of Tella, and one single word: mine.

This exchange wasn't just about magic; it was about power over her.

Legend ripped his arm away. "Tella isn't yours."

The Prince of Hearts flashed a bloody smile. "She will be."

"Not after today." Of this Legend had no doubt. He might not have had a future with Tella, but after what Jacks had just done to her, she would never end up in his arms.

"Don't be so certain," said the Fate. "Tella forgave me before. She'll forgive me again. And now that this exchange has taken away your ability to visit her dreams, it shouldn't be difficult to win her."

Jacks wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, and though his eyes were cold and soulless, he smiled once more, as if he had a secret no one else knew about yet.

Legend found Tella outside of the ruined mansion, crumpled on the ground. An angry fallen angel. "Bastard!"

"I hope you're not talking about me."

She lifted her head, looking furious and frustrated.

But so was he. He couldn't protect her if she wouldn't let him. "I asked you to stay by the fountain."

She flattened her lips, as if she wanted to fight him. Then her face fell. "I'm sorry about the dreams."

"I don't care about the dreams." He tried to keep his voice gentle, but there were certain things not even he could control. "I care that you almost died."

"I don't think he really would have killed me."

"Yes, he would have, Tella. He's a Fate, and you're a human and the object of his obsession. There's only one way your story with him ends-unless you let me make you an immortal."

Suddenly, Legend dropped to his knees. He didn't get on his knees for anyone. But he needed to be close to her. He needed to touch her.

His hands cupped her cheeks.

"What - what are you doing?" she stammered.

"I gave up too easily." He stroked her jaw. He only meant to hold her for a second, but the moment his skin touched hers, she flushed. "You asked me to let you go, but I can't."

"I already told you. It was just the idea-"

"You lied." His hands left her face and slid beneath her, picking her up and cradling her to his chest, exactly where she belonged.

"Legend-" Tella protested. "I don't need you to carry me."

"He tried to kill you. I need to carry you."

Her mouth fell open but nothing came out.

He'd shocked her. Good. He'd let her win the last round, but he was going to win this one. He wanted her, and he'd do whatever it took to get her.