Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston

Cruel Illusions By Margie Fuston -

With Jovan at her side, she learned that the deadliest illusions are the ones we tell ourselves to stay safe.

Her competition was a sea of velvet and cold smiles, but one stood out: . He was an illusionist whose tricks weren't just sleight of hand; they were mirrors into your deepest fears. As the rounds progressed, the illusions grew "cruel"—monsters born of ink and shadow that could draw real blood. Carina realized the magic powering the Circle was darker than the history books admitted. Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston

In the final trial, the veil between reality and deception dissolved. Carina had to choose: win the prize and let the cycle of blood continue, or shatter the illusion and lose the one thing she came to save. With Jovan at her side, she learned that

With Jovan at her side, she learned that the deadliest illusions are the ones we tell ourselves to stay safe.

Her competition was a sea of velvet and cold smiles, but one stood out: . He was an illusionist whose tricks weren't just sleight of hand; they were mirrors into your deepest fears. As the rounds progressed, the illusions grew "cruel"—monsters born of ink and shadow that could draw real blood. Carina realized the magic powering the Circle was darker than the history books admitted.

In the final trial, the veil between reality and deception dissolved. Carina had to choose: win the prize and let the cycle of blood continue, or shatter the illusion and lose the one thing she came to save.