Circus of the Dead: Book 3

by Kimberly Loth

  The sun crests over the tip of the trees, and Benny stiffens. I turn to him. “What’s wrong?”

  He squeezes his eyes shut. “I knew there was a catch.”

  “What?” I don’t feel any different, and Maddie is still standing right next to me. Something isn’t right. “Why didn’t it work?”

  Benny tugs on my hand. “Because the word sacrifice is literal.”

  He brings his hand up to my chest, and Maddie screams. I feel a prick and then a burning pain. I look down. The knife handle sticks out of my chest, and blood creeps out around it.

  I meet Benny’s eyes. “What have you done?”

  I collapse, and Benny catches me. My head feels fuzzy, and my limbs won’t work. I try to talk, but nothing comes out. Benny brings his lips to my ear. “I’m so sorry. I had no choice. I didn’t want to do this.”

  My eyes drift shut, but I force them back open. I want to see Benny before I go. I want his face to be the last thing I see before I die. I know he wielded the knife, but he did not kill me.

  Lorena did.

  I can feel myself slipping, and I know it is over. I don’t know what the other side will bring. Will I be a ghost trapped on the island? Or will I move on? Or will I simply blink out of existence? I know that I will probably be a ghost, but what if I’m not? Maybe the contract I signed did something different to me.

  Maddie collapses next to me and pushes Benny away. “No, no, no, no.”

  She places her hands on my chest, and they come away all bloody. “If I hadn’t come to the island, none of this would’ve happened.”

  I want to speak. To tell her this isn’t her fault. That she did nothing wrong, but no words come out. She’s going to live with this guilt for the rest of her life, and that’s not fair.

  Benny stands behind her, and I lock my eyes on his. He understands. He’s died before. I can’t keep my eyes open any longer. I try very, very hard to keep them open, but they are fluttering. My vision has gone a little blurry, but I can still see the outlines of Benny and Maddie. Maddie suddenly disappears, and I fall to the deck, my head crashing against the wood. My eyes flash open, but only long enough to see Benny falling to his knees next to me.

  My eyes drift shut, and the last thing I feel is Benny pressing his lips against mine.

  The End

  Dear Reader,

  Oh my word.

  Did I just Kill Callie?

  Yes, I did.

  For the record, I hate books where authors kill off the main characters. But this is a story about ghosts…so I hope you’ll forgive me.

  I promise Callie’s story continues. You can get it here: www.kimberlyloth.com/CircusOfTheDead4

  Love you. Thanks for going on this journey with me.

  XOXO

  Kim

  P.S. Stay in touch!

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  Want More from Kimberly Loth?

  Kimberly Loth has published several series. Read on for sneak peaks from each one.

  The Dragon Kings: Obsidian

  The Thorn Chronicles: Midnight Angel

  Stella and Sol: God of the Sun

  Sons of the Sand: The Smoking Lamp

  Omega Mu Alpha Brothers: Snowfall and Secrets

  “May I see your tattoo?” Sid asked, startling Aspen.

  “My what?”

  “Your tattoo, the one on your ankle.”

  “Oh, sure.” Until tonight, she’d been super careful about keeping the tat covered. Sid was the first person to see it, and she wanted to show it off a bit.

  He slid onto the floor and pulled her foot into his lap.

  Shivers ran up her spine. He slowly traced the words with his finger and whispered under his breath.

  Aspen’s first instinct was to pull her foot away, but she enjoyed it as much as it tortured her. She bit her lip and waited for him let go. Instead, he adjusted so that he could see her, but he continued to hold her foot in his lap.

  “When did you get this?” he asked.

  “Um, about a month ago. It’s not really a tattoo.”

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “It’s gonna sound crazy, but it’s a dragon marking. It appeared when I touched that black dragon.”

  He let go of her foot, moved onto the couch, and pressed the play button on the remote.

  About halfway through the movie, her eyes refused to stay open. After fighting with them for fifteen minutes, she gave in, allowed them to close, and settled her head into a soft warm pillow.

  Ella shook her awake. “Aspen,” she whispered. “We need to go.”

  “No,” Aspen said and closed her eyes.

  Ella shook Aspen again. “Come on, we’ve got to leave. You can’t stay here.”

  “Yes, she can,” Aspen’s pillow said.

  “I was trying not to wake you up, Sid,” Ella said. “I’m sorry.”

  “No worries.” He brushed hair out of Aspen’s face.

  Aspen shot up, embarrassed. She stumbled around the couch looking for her boots. Ella handed them to her.

  “Here ya go.”

  “Thanks,” Aspen mumbled.

  Aspen fumed. His lap was not where her head should have been.

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  I cleared my throat. Dwayne smiled a wide toothy smile and my father glowered like I’d done something wrong. Which, of course I had, but it would be worth the punishment if I got the answers I needed.

  “Could someone please explain?” There. I asked the question. So out of character for me and yet satisfying in a strange way, like the way I felt when a teacher praised me for a good job. I bit my bottom lip and tasted butterscotch, which was weird because the cake we had, contained nothing of the sort. While I knew asking questions was not an act of disobedience, I also recognized the power in the asking. As if I was taking control, even if that control was small. I took a sip of my water. Father hesitated for a moment and then frowned. He looked up and saw my mother standing in the kitchen, her eyes boring into his. He didn’t look away from her when he answered me.

  “You’ll be marrying Dwayne.”

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  The prince entered and sauntered up the path to the thrones. He didn’t seem awed or nervous of my guards. A little too cocky for my taste.

  He wore white billowy shirts that opened at the neck with a necklace that rested on the hollow of their neckline. It was a simple necklace, with no jewels.

  Just before he reached the stairs to the thrones, he stopped and bowed. The prince rose from his bow and looked at my father.

  “I am High Prince Leo, the fifth son of High King Ajax of Stella. I have come to see if it would be possible to join our kingdoms.”

  His voice was rich and lilting. He had a devastating smile, rich caramel skin, and dark piercing eyes.

  Father glared down at him. That was a bold statement for a prince in foreign territory. “How exactly would we join our kingdoms?”

  His eyes met mine. “Through marriage of course. I have no kingdom of my own. Marriage would create a partnership that I think we have both longed for.”

  I always knew I would have to marry a prince.

  Never had I imagined a barbarian prince would seek my hand.

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  I wrapped a towel around my hair and sto
mped out to my closet. A light breeze blew across my back. That was odd. I spun around and froze.

  Standing in front of me was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. And I’d seen a lot. The man in front of me was exotic. His shaggy black hair fell into his dark eyes with lashes even Nora would envy. A five o’clock shadow covered his jaw. He looked like a rock god.

  My mouth dropped open. Then I remembered I was standing there in nothing but a bra and underwear. I ripped the towel off my head and attempted to cover myself.

  “I’m not wearing any clothes,” I said stupidly.

  He grinned, showing adorable dimples. Then he tugged at the hem of his linen shirt and pulled it over his head, holding it out for me.

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  A knock sounded at my door, and I rushed to put a robe on as I stepped out of the shower. I was running late for dinner and didn’t have time for visitors. My hair dripped down my back, and I shivered when I opened the door.

  Lukas stood there looking scrumptious in jeans and a dark green button down shirt that set off his eyes. If I kept staring, I would officially be late for dinner. I had a hard time asking Lukas to leave. Ever.

  “Hey, Tess, I’m your ride.” He grinned as his gaze swept from my wet hair down to my bare feet.

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  Acknowledgments

  I wrote all four books of Circus of the Dead at the same time, so the acknowledgments will be the same for all the books.

  Oh man, this year has been killer, and there are so many people to thank for supporting me through it. Because I pretty much wrote the Circus of the Dead this year, I can’t really separate my personal life from the writing of these books.

  First, thanks go to Xandi. You’ve been a rock this year. I’m so proud of you and your strength. I know we moved to Idaho to support you, but really it was you who carried me. Thanks for being the joy. Love you.

  Will, thank you for not freaking out when I let everything slide. I mean, I know I had a good reason, but still. You’ve stood by me through it all. Thank you.

  Virginia, oh man, girl, if I didn’t consider you a sister before this, I certainly do now. Thank you for carrying my pain for me when I couldn’t carry it myself. Love you.

  Mom and Matt, I called, and you came without hesitation. Thank you. Love you and your continual belief in me and my talents.

  Tiffany, thank you so much for your early reads and support. I value your opinion so much. Love you.

  Richard, thanks for being an awesome sport. I hope you know how much we love having you as part of our family.

  Amy and family, some tragedies pull families apart, and others pull them closer together. We love you. Thank you for everything this year. Love you.

  Nathan, oh man, kid, where did you come from? Thanks for coming in and loving us and letting us love you.

  YA Vets, thank you for everything. Seriously.

  Mastermind group, you know who you are. You are my people. Thank you for having my back. Love you.

  Four figs (Wait. I think it’s five now), I know I’ve been quiet this year, but I want you all to know how much I value your support and love.

  Kelley and Suzi, you are the best editors ever. Just saying. Thank you.

  Alerim and Jessica, thanks for the gorgeous artwork and typography. You both are uber-talented.

  A.J., we had some good brainstorm sessions together on this book before you passed. Love and miss you terribly. Fly high, kiddo.

  Superfans, your unending support means the world. Thanks for waiting patiently for my next series. A special thank-you to all my loyal early readers for the previous book: Ashley Martinez, Erin Holmes, Heather Pilgrim, Shannon Williamson, Debbie Alvarado, Allie Arana, Sara Groenheide, Alie Morgan, Jennifer McIntosh, Leslee Lusk, Laurie Murray, Jai Henson, Sharon Abrams, Veronica McIntyre, Kristen Rummerfield, Brandi Williams, Denise Austin, Kelly Lambert-Greer, Brianna Snowball, Samantha Murphy, Andrea Hubler, Catherine Trieu, Hanife Ormerod, Linda Lutchka, Patti Hays, Ksandra Wakeman, Brandie Gillian, Shannon Childress, Dawn Foster, Heather Price, Andrea McKay, Tara Wertz, Ruqayyah Hashmi, Brandie Gillian, Sophie Koufes, Dora Zeno, Chris Radentz, Caroline Jenkins, Tera Comer, Gina Johnson, Shelby white, Zoë Gregory, Bev Christensen, Agustina Zanelli, Beverly Laude, Amanda Olson, Beth Harris, Ainsley Jaymes , Stephanie Pittser, Ola Adamska, Sue, Michelle Scotello, Kaydrielle Pickett, Emma Ealey, Debra Pierce, Isis Ray-Sisco, Seraphia Sparks.

  Finally, Readers, thank you for waiting patiently for me to get this finished. I hope you enjoy it.

  As always, I would not be where I am without the grace of God and his never ending influence in my life.

  To show my gratitude for him and all that he does for me, I would like to end this with publicly declaring my faith. Here is my testimony:

  I believe I am daughter of God. He created this amazing universe in which we live and he wants nothing more than for me to be like him. As a parent, he knew I would struggle on this earth. He knew I would fall, but he also knew I would dust myself off and stand back up. Thousands of years ago he sent his firstborn son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die and more importantly, live again, so that I can also live again after I die and be redeemed. His words are written down in the Bible and The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. He speaks today through modern day prophets and apostles. He also speaks to all of us through the Holy Ghost. I know that I will be with my family for eternity.

  For more information on what I believe go to: ComeUntoChrist.org.

  Also by Kimberly Loth

  Circus of the Dead (Young Adult Romantic Thriller)

  Circus of the Dead Book 1: www.kimberlyloth.com/CircusOfTheDead1

  Circus of the Dead Book 2: www.kimberlyloth.com/CircusOfTheDead2

  Circus of the Dead Book 3: www.kimberlyloth.com/CircusOfTheDead3

  Circus of the Dead Book 4: www.kimberlyloth.com/CircusOfTheDead4

  The Thorn Chronicles (Young Adult Paranormal)

  Midnight Angel: www.kimberlyloth.com/midnight

  Destroyer Angel: www.kimberlyloth.com/destroyer

  Fallen Angel: www.kimberlyloth.com/fallen

  Guardian Angel: www.kimberlyloth.com/guardian

  The Thorn Chronicles Boxed Set

  The Dragon Kings (Young Adult Paranormal)

  Obsidian: www.kimberlyloth.com/obsidian

  Aspen: www.kimberlyloth.com/aspen

  Valentine: www.kimberlyloth.com/valentine

  Skye: www.kimberlyloth.com/skye

  The Kings: www.kimberlyloth.com/kings

  The Dragon Kings Boxed Set

  Omega Mu Alpha Brothers (Sweet Romance Series)

  Snowfall and Secrets: www.kimberlyloth.com/snowfall

  Pyramids and Promises: www.kimberlyloth.com/pyramids

  Folly and Forever: www.kimberlyloth.com/folly

  Monkeys and Mayhem: www.kimberlyloth.com/monkeys

  Omega Mu Alpha Brothers Boxed Set Books 1-4

  Roadtrips and Romance: www.kimberlyloth.com/roadtrips

  Christmas and Commitment: www.kimberlyloth.com/Christmas

  Stella and Sol (Young Adult Fantasy)

  God of the Sun: www.kimberlyloth.com/sun

  Prince of the Moon: www.kimberlyloth.com/moon

  King of the Stars: www.kimberlyloth.com/stars

  Queen of the Dawn: www.kimberlyloth.com/dawn

  Stella and Sol Box Set

  Sons of the Sand (Young Adult Paranormal)

  The Smoking Lamp: www.kimberlyloth.com/smoking

  The Blazing Glass: www.kimberlyloth.com/blazing

  The Glowing Sands: www.kimberlyloth.com/glowing

  The Exploding Sky: www.kimberlyloth.com/exploding

  Sons of the Sand Box Set

  YA Contemporary Fiction

  Bittersweet: www.kimberlyloth.com/bittersweet

  S
omething About Forever: www.kimberlyloth.com/forever

  About the Author

  Kimberly Loth has lived all over the world. From the isolated woods of the Ozarks to exotic city of Cairo. She and her hubby finally took the leap and now they live in an RV while traveling the U.S. As long it’s near seventy degrees, she’s happy with her many different sceneries.

  She’s been writing for twelve years and is the author of the Amazon bestselling series The Dragon Kings. In her free time she volunteers at church, reads, and travels as often as possible.

  She loves talking to school groups and book clubs. For more information about having her come speak at your school or event contact her at kimberlylothteam@gmail.com.