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.

risks that accompanied the things she wanted most.

In answer to his question, Scarlett lifted her hand, slowly bringing her fingers to his cheek. Her skin tingled where it touched his, sending shivers all the way down her arm as she traced the thin line from the edge of his parted lips to the corner of his eyelid. “I forgive you,” she whispered.

“If anything, I think this scar is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“If anything, I think this scar is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“If anything, I think this scar is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

She remembered thinking falling for him would be like falling in love with darkness, but now she imagined he was more like a starry night: the constellations were always there, constant, magnificent guides against the ever-present black.

“Crimson, did you hear what I said?”

“That’s funny,” the gentleman said. “All this time, I thought she was my fiancée.”