My smile softened. Lexi liked to think she wasn’t a good person, but her actions proved her wrong. Sure, she took some questionable jobs, but when I’d needed help, she’d dropped everything to go to Valovia with me. “Thanks, Lex.”

She nodded, her expression fond.

“So, we’re decided then?” I asked. Everyone nodded, and Torran squeezed my hand with a smile. I grinned. “Then let’s go stop a war.”

Acknowledgments

Turning a story into a book requires an entire team of people working together, and I’d like to thank everyone who made it possible!

Thanks to Sarah E. Younger, my badass agent, who is a continual delight to work with. I’m so glad you’re in my corner!

Thanks to Tessa Woodward, my outstanding editor, who always knows exactly what my manuscripts need to be the best versions of themselves. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m so glad you do! And thanks to the entire team at Harper Voyager for everything you do. This book wouldn’t exist without you all!

Thanks to Patrick Ferguson and Tracy Smith for reading early drafts, putting up with the inevitable “it’s garbage” wailing, and generally supporting me through the ups and downs of producing a story from thin air, imagination, and stress. You all are the best!

Thanks to Bree, Donna, Ilona, and Gordon for all the help, support, cheerleading, and encouragement.

All my love and appreciation to my husband, Dustin, whose unwavering support keeps me going even when the story refuses to cooperate, and I feel like becoming a hermit in a shack in the woods. I love you!

And finally, thanks to you, readers! This book was written during the pandemic of 2020, and while it was incredibly difficult to write, it was also a much-needed escape. I hope the world is in a better place by the time you read this, but I also hope the story still serves as a pleasant escape. Happy reading!

Announcement

Octavia “Tavi” Zarola and her motley crew are back with another thrilling adventure in the Starlight’s Shadow series. This time it’s up to sunshiny information-guru Kee and grumpy weapons-expert Varro to save the day.

Coming out July 2023

About the Author

JESSIE MIHALIK has a degree in computer science and a love of all things geeky. A software engineer by trade, Jessie now writes full-time from her home in Texas. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing co-op video games with her husband, trying out new board games, or reading books pulled from her overflowing bookshelves.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

Also by Jessie Mihalik

• Polaris Rising
• Aurora Blazing
• Chaos Reigning

• The Queen’s Gambit
• The Queen’s Advantage
• The Queen’s Triumph

About the Publisher

Australia

HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty. Ltd.

Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street

Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Canada

HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Bay Adelaide Centre, East Tower

22 Adelaide Street West, 41st Floor