Once Upon a Broken Sky
by M.T. DeSantis

The circus where dreams come true, for a price…

Joining Grimmfay saved Zelandra’s life and gave her power she never thought possible. For countless performances, she’s enthralled audiences at the Master’s whim, but when a guest sees past the magic to the young woman trapped beneath, she realizes the power was never really hers.

A fairy-tale life waits beyond the circus’s eternal night, but it will take more than a handsome prince or a wish on a star to break Grimmfay’s bonds. The illusion of power isn’t so easily given up, especially when it will do everything to keep Zelandra under its control.

Come one, come any… Bring few, bring many…to Grimmfay, the fantasy circus perfect for fans of The Night Circus, Caraval, and the Lunar Chronicles.

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In the mirror, a breeze ruffled the leaves. Zelandra imagined the rustling sound they made, the earthy scent of dirt and moss and bark. They were things she knew once but left in a life she no longer needed. There was movement in the cottage, and then the front door burst open. A young girl, maybe eight or nine years, darted outside on stubby legs, her long brown hair bouncing with her jerky motion. Behind her came an older boy, ten or eleven. His hair was the same shade, but his movements were more fluid. He caught the girl around the waist and twirled her off the ground. Her mouth opened wide with silent laughter as she kicked her little feet.

“Children,” Bianca said in a tone implying the image had her interest.

“Siblings.” Cindell’s voice held something darker, almost threatening.

The girl wrestled loose of her brother’s hold and fell in a heap. In a flash, she was up and dashing into the trees. The boy followed, his eyes sparkling with youthful fun and ignorance. The children disappeared into the woods, and the image faded to once again show Zelandra’s chamber.

“Little ones!” Ori clapped her hands. Her frock shimmied back and forth in a nonexistent wind. “Daughters and sons. I will love them tons and tons.”

“Someone should.” Cindell’s tone still hinted at barely suppressed violence. She shook her head once and straightened. Her face smoothed to passivity, but there was no mistaking the murder in her eyes. “They are what the Master wishes. He will have them.”

“Yes.” Bianca cleared her throat. “And I … think it best if Zelandra be the one to introduce them to Grimmfay.”

Born a New Englander, M.T. DeSantis moved south in early adulthood, realized she actually liked winter, and promptly moved back north. She’s currently trying out life as a Michigander/anian with her family, who also (mostly) actually like winter. When not making word magic, M.T. can be found practicing yoga, attempting to make friends with the oven, or trying to read while people keep talking to her.

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