Evernight's Curse The Carnival of Shadows

By Emily Harper

In "Evernight's Curse: The Carnival of Shadows," readers are plunged into the heart of a long-abandoned carnival that awakens with dark enchantments under the cloak of twilight. Elena and her friends, lured by the thrill of an untold legend, trespass into a reality far beyond their wildest dreams. As night falls, the carnival comes to life: lights flicker without touch, laughter echoes without source, and attractions move with a sinister autonomy.

Thrust into a terrifying spectacle, the group faces attractions that spin tales of madness and mirror mazes reflecting their darkest fears. The carnival, thriving on the terror of its visitors, seeks to ensnare them forever in its twisted realm. Battling their personal demons and the carnival's malevolent spirits, they must find the courage to stand together against the encroaching darkness.

Their friendship, tested by the carnival's infernal games, becomes their greatest strength. Together, they challenge the curse, striving to unravel the mystery of the carnival's origins and break its malevolent hold over the land. "Evernight's Curse: The Carnival of Shadows" is a riveting tale of courage, friendship, and the battle against the darkness within us all. Will dawn find them victorious, or will they become the carnival's newest victims? Join the adventure through the heart of darkness, where some legends are better left unexplored.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nebula Nova Publishing
• Release date: Mar 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224070268

Book preview

Evernight's Curse The Carnival of Shadows

Shadows and Light: The Evernight Chronicles

Emily Harper

Copyright © 2024 by Emily Harper

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

Contents

1.The Whispered Legends

2.The Gateway of Shadows

3.The Carousel's Curse

4.Echoes in the Mirror Maze

5.The Puppeteer's Play

6.The Ferris Wheel in the Fog

7.The Feast of Shadows

8.The Ringmaster's Challenge

9.The Haunted Big Top

10.The Breaking of the Curse

11.Dawn's First Light

12.The Legend Continues

Chapter one

The Whispered Legends

Elena, with her ever-curious spirit, rallied her friends around the dusty, old coffee table at their favorite hideout, an abandoned warehouse turned into a makeshift clubhouse. The air buzzed with the energy of youth and the thrill of potential adventure. Alex, the skeptic of the group, leaned back in his chair, eyeing the crumpled map Elena had slammed down with a mix of intrigue and disbelief. Beside him, Jamie, whose love for the mysterious and unexplained was only rivaled by Elena’s, perched on the edge of her seat, eyes wide with excitement. And then there was Sam, the quiet one, whose deep thoughts were often mistaken for disinterest. But those who knew him understood his silence was the canvas for his imagination.

So, what's this grand plan, Elena? Alex asked, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Elena’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she unfolded the map, smoothing it out for all to see. Legend has it, she began, her voice taking on the tone of a storyteller, that just beyond the edge of town, hidden by the forest and forgotten by time, lies the Evernight Carnival. They say it was once the heart and soul of the town, a place of laughter and light. But now, it stands silent, a relic of its glorious past, shrouded in mystery and tales of darkness.

Jamie leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. I've heard those stories too. They say the carnival wakes at night, alive with a magic that's both enchanting and terrifying.

Sam, finally breaking his silence, added, And supposedly, no one who's gone there after sunset has ever returned to tell the tale. His voice, usually soft, carried a weight that drew a momentary silence from the group.

The air hung heavy with the implications of Sam's words. Yet, the fear they might have instilled was overshadowed by the allure of the unknown, the human desire to uncover secrets and face the darkness.

Alex broke the silence, his skepticism waning under the weight of his friends' enthusiasm. Are we considering this? Going to a place that's supposedly cursed?

Elena met his gaze, her determination clear. That's exactly why we should go. To prove that it's just a legend. To see for ourselves what's there. Aren't you the least bit curious?

The challenge in Elena's voice sparked a fire in their hearts. One by one, they agreed, each for their reasons, drawn together by the bonds of friendship and the thrill of the unknown.

As dusk began to paint the sky in shades of orange and purple, the friends gathered their courage and set off toward the forest that bordered the town. The path, overgrown and barely visible, whispered of disuse and the passage of time. Yet, they pressed on, guided by the map and the stories that had fueled their imaginations.

After what felt like hours, the dense canopy of trees gave way to a clearing, revealing the carnival in all its eerie glory. The sight that greeted them was one of contradictions. The carnival, silent and seemingly asleep, held an allure that was hard to resist. The Ferris wheel stood tall against the backdrop of the night sky, its seats swaying gently in the breeze. The game booths, their colors faded, hinted at the joy they once brought. And there, at the heart of the carnival, stood the carousel, its figures cast in shadow, a silent sentinel of the night.

This is incredible, Jamie breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Elena stepped forward, her resolve firm. Let's explore. But remember, we stick together. No matter what.

They moved as one, drawn deeper into the carnival's embrace. The air, cool and tinged with the scent of cotton candy and popcorn, was a ghost of the carnival's past, a memory that lingered.

As they approached the carousel, a cold wind stirred, bringing with it the faint sound of music. The notes, distant and haunting, seemed to call to them, enticing them closer.

Did you hear that? Sam asked, his voice tense.

It's just the wind, Alex said, though his eyes betrayed his uncertainty.

Elena, ever the leader, stepped onto the carousel platform, her friends following closely. The figures of horses and mythical creatures stared back at them, their expressions carved with exquisite detail, yet somehow sinister in the moonlight.

This is where the adventure begins, Elena said, a smile playing on her lips.

As shadows grew longer, enveloping the carnival with an almost tangible presence, Elena and her friends ventured deeper into its heart. Each step seemed to invite the night closer, its cloak woven from secrets and silent promises. The carousel, with its grotesque beauty, became their anchor, a point of light amid the encroaching gloom.

Look at this, Elena exclaimed, tracing her fingers over the intricate