Page 60 of Carnival Stalker

He nods, his arms tightening around me, and I know he understands. There’s no need for rushed declarations or empty promises. We exist together now, two souls finding solace in each other’s embrace.

34

EPILOGUE

PHOENIX

One year later…

Tilly readies herself for Halloween, her eyes bright and her body buzzing excitedly. She reminds me of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, radiant and full of life. It’s been a year since I brought her into my world, and she has flourished like a flower in bloom.

Our trailer is filled with the scent of her perfume and the sound of her laughter as she moves about, deciding on the perfect costume. I see her hesitate, torn between a sexy pirate and a mystical fairy. She notices me staring and flashes me a smile, dimples appearing on her cheeks. “What do you think, Phoenix? Should I be a pirate or a fairy tonight?”

I push up from my desk, unable to focus on the coding project I had been working on. Tilly’s question pulls me into the present, and I take in the sight of her, so full of lifeand vibrancy. “You’d look beautiful as either one,” I reply, my voice soft. “But I have a particular fondness for fairies.”

She giggles and strikes a playful pose, the green and purple wings of the costume fluttering. “Then it’s decided. I shall be a fairy tonight and enchant everyone at the carnival.”

I stand up and walk over to her, unable to resist the pull of her energy and excitement. “Just be careful who you enchant,” I warn, my hands resting on her hips. “I don’t want to have to murder anyone tonight.”

Tilly’s eyes sparkle with delight as they drag down the length of me. I’ve chosen to dress as her favorite video game character, Ghost from Call of Duty, and the look on her face tells me I’d made the right decision. The costume is nearly complete except for one crucial element.

“You forgot the mask,” she teases.

I smirk, reaching for the mask on my desk. Sliding it on, I transform into the mysterious figure, Ghost. “Better?” I ask, my voice muffled by the mask.

She nods, clapping her hands together. “Much better! Now we’re both ready for fright night.”

Normally, the prospect of attending the carnival would make me feel sickeningly uneasy, but with Tilly, everything has changed.

Together, we step out into the lively carnival atmosphere, with its lights and sounds surrounding us. Tilly’s excitement is infectious, and I feel myself relaxing and enjoying the moment.

We wander through the carnival, attracting curious glances from passersby. Tilly drags me to chat with herfriends, Lily, Alice, and Aurora. I’m glad she’s finding her place here, mixing with others.

Lars clears his throat and claps me on the shoulder. “Good to see you out of that fucking trailer, man.”

I glare at him through the eyeholes of my mask, as I hate people touching me.

He just chuckles and shakes his head. “Lighten up. It’s Halloween.”

Cade, dressed as a zombie, turns to me with a grin. “So, Phoenix, you finally decided to join the land of the living, huh?”

I roll my eyes behind my mask. “Very funny, Cade. I’m here for Tilly, not for your amusement.”

Lars chuckles. “Come on, man. You gotta admit, it’s nice to see you out and about. I was starting to think you’d merged with your computer.”

I flip him off, but there’s no real heat behind the gesture. “Fuck off, Lars.”

Cade snorts. “Yeah, busy hacking into everyone’s lives.”

I tense, ready to defend myself, but Gage’s deep voice interrupts us. “Leave him be. We all have our ways.”

We turn to look at Gage, standing nearby, his usual skull mask firmly in place.

Lars raises an eyebrow. “Speaking of ways, Gage, where’s your costume?”

Gage tilts his head. “This is my costume.”

Cade bursts out laughing. “Seriously? You’re wearing the same damn mask you always wear!”

---