His dark eyes brightened and his tail flicked with approval.

A smile curved Twelve’s lips. “I like it too. That’s that, then.”

There was a gentle glow in her chest, a sense of belonging. She wanted the hard-won feeling to last forever and she sat quietly with her squirrel, savoring it.

She thought of her family and Silver, of Victory’s treachery, and of all the dangers she’d survived with the others. For once, she didn’t have to wonder what her parents would have thought or whether Silver would’ve approved: she knew in her bones they would have been proud.

The world was darkening, powerful forces were gathering, but, for the first time in a long while, she had friends and a home.

They were worth fighting for.

Phoenix stood, brushed the ash from her knees, and went to join her friends.

Acknowledgments

When I started writing Twelve’s story, I never dreamed that it would really be published. The fact that it has been is thanks to the hard work and support of a whole host of wonderful people.

My husband Ben supported me in every way possible during the writing of this book. Even as a writer, supposedly with a good vocabulary at my disposal, I can’t find adequate words to express how much that has meant to me. He is, quite simply, the best.

My incredible agent, Claire Wilson, is another one whose contribution defies description. She believed in the book from the start and somehow that confidence allowed me to believe in myself as a writer. She is a fiercer advocate and kinder person than I ever could have imagined. I still can’t work out what I have done to deserve her—she has changed my life.

My UK editor, Nick Lake, is a wonder. Sometimes I feel that he can actually see inside my head to the story I meant to write and the places I’ve gone wrong. That’s how good his notes are. He is a joy to work with and his input has made Fireborn so much better.

My US editor, Kristen Pettit, has had boundless enthusiasm for Fireborn from the start and has been an absolute pleasure to work with from day one. I feel blessed to have not one wildly talented editor in Fireborn’s corner, but two.

The incredible artist, Sophie Medvedeva, has brought Fireborn to life in a way I’d never imagined possible. Seeing her work has been one of the most magical parts of the whole publication process. She is a genius.