Once Upon a Broken Heart, #2
The Ballad of Never After
by Stephanie Garber
Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
LaLa bursts in with a scandal sheet exposing Evangeline’s presence and news that Tiberius escaped, likely bringing Apollo. LaLa all but admits casting Apollo’s Archer curse, sparking a rift. Evangeline overhears Jacks deny wanting her, drinks to numb the hurt, then rejects his protection at the ball and flees.
Summary
LaLa arrives dressed as a mermaid, visibly shaken, and hands Jacks a scandal sheet revealing a “pink-haired princess” at Slaughterwood, effectively outing Evangeline’s location. She also reports a Wanted notice: Tiberius has escaped the Tower and is likely on his way with Apollo. Jacks blames LaLa, and LaLa counters that she did what was necessary because Evangeline would not open the arch.
Listening unseen, Evangeline pieces together that LaLa likely cast the Archer’s curse on Apollo to force the arch to be opened. LaLa urges Jacks to get Evangeline out and pointedly comments on his protectiveness. Jacks smiles but insists he does not want Evangeline; he claims he is only ensuring she finds the stones. Shattered, Evangeline flees.
In the ballroom, Evangeline drinks to dull the betrayal and reflects on the sweeping, storied feel of the night and her own place in a living legend. Despite the dangers, she resolves to find the remaining stones and secure a better ending to her story.
Luc appears dressed as the Archer and asks for a dance. Jacks arrives armed, threatening Luc and possessively claiming the dance, then warns Evangeline she is in danger and they must leave. Evangeline confronts Jacks, says she heard everything, shoves him away, and runs, rejecting his protection.
Who Appears
- Evangeline FoxOverhears LaLa and Jacks, feels betrayed, drinks at the ball, refuses Jacks’s protection, and runs.
- Jacks (Prince of Hearts)Warned by LaLa, denies wanting Evangeline, insists he only wants the stones, threatens Luc, urges Evangeline to leave.
- LaLaArrives with news exposing Evangeline; implies she cast Apollo’s curse; urges Jacks to protect Evangeline.
- Luc NavarroArrives dressed as the Archer, asks Evangeline to dance, provokes Jacks’s possessive threat.