maelyn

“Love is messy. It’s not easily controlled. But that’s what makes it so powerful. It’s unbridled passion. It’s caring about someone else’s life more than you care about your own.”
― Stephanie Garber, Finale

“But hoping," he said, "is how the impossible can be possible after all.”
― Marissa Meyer, Heartless

“It’s wonderful to finally meet you,’ Scarlett managed.

He smiled, wide and sincere. ‘I’m tempted to say you’re even prettier than I imagined, but I would hate you to think me unoriginal.’

‘Too late,’ Julian coughed.

A wrinkle formed between Nicolas’s thick brows as he noticed Scarlett’s companion. ‘And you are?’

‘Julian.’ He offered his hand.

But Nicolas refused to let go of Scarlett’s. ‘I wasn’t aware Scarlett had a brother.’

‘I’m not her brother.’ Julian kept his tone friendly, but Scarlett felt a surge of bruising purple panic as devilry sparked in Julian’s eyes. ‘I’m not related to her at all. I’m an actor she played with during Caraval.’

He emphasized the words played with, and Scarlett could have choked him. Julian would choose now to finally be honest.

Not that Nicolas appeared disturbed. The young count’s broad smile remained even as he petted Timber with his free hand.

But Julian wasn’t finished.

‘I’m not surprised she’s never mentioned me. At the start of Caraval I don’t think she liked me much. But then we were given the same bedroom—’

‘Julian, enough,’ Scarlett cut in.”
― Stephanie Garber, Finale

“You lied, Scarlett! You said you would always choose me.” His feverish eyes met hers, but for once there was no warmth in them.

She wasn't saving him. She was destroying him.”
― Stephanie Garber, Finale