Annaka Kalton, you are a treasure. From the very first draft so full of holes as to be Swiss cheese to the final version that went to copyedits, you believed I had something special in this novel and helped me get it to where it needed to be. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Angie Richmond, I’m so glad we found each other again. Thank you for being so generous with your time and thoughts; the plot wouldn’t have come together without you.

Renee Melton, despite many hardships, you never fail to show up, puzzle through plot snarls with me, and cheer me on. Your fingerprints are all over this book, and it’s so much better for that. (We even survived losing chapter thirty-seven at the last minute!) All the hugs and rosewater brownies.

Mikey Vuoncino, the fact that you’re not a reader but still always enjoy my writing and insist on filling your bookcase with my words means the world. All the love and baked goods for you.

Camille DeAngelis, thank you for your enthusiastic support and spiritual talks and your early blurb. We must cook together soon!

Nivair Gabriel, it feels like we’ve ridden at least fifty roller coasters since quarantine began, but the peaks and valleys have only made us stronger and more grounded, and your support and belief in what I have to offer have never quailed. Thank you always.

Jacqueline Koyanagi, heart sister and ardent fan of my work, you are the best and the sweetest, and I’m so lucky to know you. So many snuggles and kaju katli.

Lindsey Márton O’Brien, you are the enchanted heart friend I thought would only ever exist in my daydreams, but it turns out I didn’t even need to be an oneironaut to find you. Your exhilaration about this book helped me realize I hadn’t messed it up, after all, and your love throughout everything has been a balm to my spirit. Here’s to always flooding the world with our light and magic.

Sara Cleto, thank you for all the text messages and phone calls of solidarity and loving my folktales—and for our beach retreat. All the egg breakfasts coming your way!

Sukanya Venkatraghavan and Venkatraghavan Sahasranaman, thank you for letting me borrow your name for Venkat. And Suku and Asma Kazi, thank you for your excitement and your help with the art direction.

Ciara Smyth, editor sibling and friend, I’m so glad we get to take this journey together. One day soon, we will finally meet in real life!

Lori Lee, Claire Legrand, Sarah Henning, and Anna-Marie McLemore, thank you for understanding and riding this bizarre wave of publishing during a pandemic with me.

Jialu Bao, thank you for loving the magic only I can make and demanding more. I’m on it!