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“I’m tired of fighting what I don’t understand,” I shrug, feeling the weight of Evelyn’s necklace in my pocket. “So make me understand. What happens tomorrow?”

Kenan leans against the wall, crossing his arms. “The Ringmaster will offer two choices: accept your station or find someone else for your place.”

“That’s it?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“That’s all there is,” Tobias says quietly.

I nod, absorbing this. “And if I choose to officially join? What does that entail exactly?”

“A binding ritual,” Kenan says. “Cliché dark shit, honestly. Blood, magic, sex ... then your soul becomes tethered to The Carnival.”

“Like yours,” I say, looking between them.

“Yes,” Tobias confirms.

I push away from the railing, stepping closer to both of them. “And if I refuse both options?”

The silence that follows is heavy, laden with warning. It’s like a silence falls around us, even though the Big Top is still buzzing with sound.

“There is not another option,” Kenan says, “no one has ever done that.”

“Because they can’t?” I press. “Or because they’ve never tried?”

Tobias reaches out, tucking a strand behind my ear. “Because anything else could be dangerous ...”

“For me?” I ask. “Or for The Carnival?”

Again, that loaded glance between them.

“Both,” Tobias admits. “I won’t do anything to disrupt The Carnival’s actions because I can’t lose —”

His glance tells me everything as it bounces between me and Kenan. He won’t upset the current state of things because he’s been too scared to lose Kenan.

“Interesting,” I smile, placing all the pieces together.

“I have to go get ready for my performance,” I step between them, heading toward the main tent. “I don’t want to be late.”

“Emerson,” Tobias calls after me, his voice full of warning again.

I pause, but don’t turn around. “You both said I was different. Maybe it’s time to find out how different I can be.”

* * *

The backstage area hums with energy, but I feel strangely detached from the nervous flutter that usually accompanies me. Instead, a cool certainty flows through my veins. Tonight will be different. I will be different.

Layla approaches, her fire-dancer costume glittering even now in the dim light. “You ready? You’re on in five.”

“More than ready,” I say, adjusting the silver costume I wear tonight that hugs my body. The fabric of this one makes it look like stars are trapped in the material, and I don’t hate it.

“You’ve got that look,” she says, studying my face, “The one people get right before they do something really stupid ... saw it from Kenan right before he called you on stage that first night.” She squeezes my arm. “Just remember — The Carnival always wins.”

“Yeah,” I murmur as she walks away, “so I’ve heard.”

* * *

The Ringmaster’s voice booms through the tent, and I take my position behind the curtain. The aerial ring hangs suspended in the center of the stage, catching the spotlight like a silver moon. My heart beats strong and steady, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t mention that my hands still shake from the nerves.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” his voice intones, “prepare to witness gravity defied and reality suspended as our newest star takes flight.”