Caraval

But Scarlett had learned too well how treacherous it was to hope in something as illusive as a wish.

Thorns protected roses.

My little liar, Julian mouthed, his lips parted slightly as he slowly leaned in closer

Not quite sure how far she’d already fallen, she imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.

I don’t plan on returning.”

He was in his mid-forties but he’d not let his body turn to fat like other men. Keeping with the latest fashion, he kept his blond hair tied back with a neat black bow, showing off his manicured eyebrows and dark blond goatee.

A beautiful, ridiculous fantasy

. You’ve waited your whole life for this, wished on every fallen star, prayed as every ship came into port that it would be that magical one carrying the mysterious Caraval performers. You want this even more than I do.”

Isla de los Sueños.

The island of dreams.

“If you turn your back to me, we can both change.”

“We can both change facing each other too.” There was a smile in his voice now.

“That’s not what I meant,” Scarlett said.