Soulrender, he’d whispered with his dying breath. I thought it was an accusation, but it wasn’t. It was a warning.
END OF BOOK ONE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This story has lived inside my head and on my hard drive for so long that it’s almost unreal to know it’ll at last be in the hands of readers.
Suzie Townsend, thank you for not giving up on Sirscha and for being an anchor in the hurricane that was writing and rewriting this book. I’m grateful for you beyond measure. Devin Ross, I can only wonder at how lucky I am to have you on my side. Thank you for your wisdom and humor and sharp editorial eye.
Ashley Hearn, I could never have discovered the heart of this book without your guidance. Thank you and the entire Page Street team for believing in Sirscha’s story. Even more, thank you for your enthusiasm, support, and excellent use of caps lock.
I also dearly need to thank Mindee Arnett for reading so many drafts of this book that I’ve lost count. Not only that, but for always being there to brainstorm, commiserate, and cheer me on. I couldn’t have asked for a better critique partner and friend.
Massive thanks to all the friends, colleagues, and kindhearted folks who read the book at different points in its many, many drafts: Lauren Teffeau, Carrie DiRisio, Heather Kassner, Cassandra Newbould, Christina Soontornvat, Erin Arkin, Jessica Rubinowski, Linda Canniff, and Lee Bross. I’m also forever grateful to my Fellowship, friends who’ve been there through crises and joys, through fandom and fanfic and publishing: Emily, Patricia, Audrey, Imaan, Aamyra, and Lyn.
Lastly, thank you to my family for never doubting me. For encouraging me to dream, and for always being proud no matter how small the accomplishment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lori M. Lee is the author of Gates of Thread and Stone and The Infinite. She’s also a contributor to the anthologies A Thousand Beginnings and Endings and Color outside the Lines. She considers herself a unicorn aficionado, enjoys marathoning TV shows, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, kids, and an excitable shih tzu.
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Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Glossary
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Newsletter Sign-up
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Lori M. Lee
Page Street Publishing Co.
27 Congress Street, Suite 105
Salem, MA 01970
www.pagestreetpublishing.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
eISBN 978-1-62414-928-3
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2019948968
Cover and book design by Laura Benton for Page Street Publishing Co.
Cover illustration by Charlie Bowater
Author photo by PrettyGeeky Photography
Treeline and spiderweb vectors from Shutterstock