Page 247 of Carousel

The ribbon between our faces, as I laid over him, swinging it between us.

Riss’ voice. Must have really liked the girl he did it all for.

His own voice, in that crooked smile. Brought you some bread.

Tears are streaming down my face. Pain is leaking into my every breath. It sits under my ribs.

But it’s like inhaling osimidite. I am numb to it.

My head is lighter.

My heart is freer.

There it is, I think.

There. It. Is.

PART FOUR

Earth

CHAPTER 49

The New World

I’m looking up at Drake.

I think, from my breathlessness, and the magic sparking around us, and over my mouth, that we’ve just kissed.

I remember now. We did.

I blush, brightly.

“Sisters. This is completely inappropriate,” I say, rushed.

“Inappropriate,” he states.

“We should have waited until our wedding day. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

And then I’m frowning.

Because I know we are to be married, but I distinctly remember rejecting his proposal in my dream.

And he was hurt by that.

I stroke his cheek. “Drake. I have been awful to you. And I don’t even know why. Of course I want to marry you. It’s the only logical thing to do. And we both want the same things. We would grow to love each other, I’m sure of it.” I tilt my chin up at him. “Will you forgive me?”

He seems sad. I thought he’d be happier by my words. But maybe I’ve pushed him too far.

“Drake,” I say.

He lifts his thumb and drags it across my cheek, wiping away the tears there.

“I’m… crying,” I gasp. I hadn’t realised.

The dread I feel is cold and instant.

“What did you do to me?”