I kissed him back, there in front of everyone, and only when an immense roar shook the sky did I pull away.

Dark wings blocked out starlight as a great Drakontos titanus sailed overhead. She called again, declaring territory, perhaps, and my heart soared as I took LaLa into my arms again, just in case she was afraid of the bigger dragon above.

When the titanus was gone, I said, “I’ve been thinking that since it was my dragon soul that made this island, I should be the one who gets to name it.”

“We’re not naming the island LaLa,” Hristo said.

“Or Mira.” Zara smirked. “You’ve already had enough things named after you.”

I laughed and gazed around at everyone: Gerel and Chenda, leaning toward one another; Safa, watching Aaru’s hand as he interpreted for her; Hristo, resting his cheek on the top of Ilina’s head; and Zara, running her fingers through the soft sand. Here we were. The best friends I’d ever have. The best sisters I’d ever have. I loved them all so much my heart ached with it.

“No, neither of those. LaLa and Mira are fantastic names, but they’re already taken.” I pulled myself up and opened my arms to the starlit beach, the dragon-echoing sky, and this whole world I couldn’t wait to explore. “Welcome to Celestus: the Isle of Dragons.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING A LITTLE INTIMIDATING about writing the acknowledgments pages, especially for the last book in a series. I don’t want to overlook anyone’s contribution, but I know I will never be able to thank every single person who’s made a difference in the life and growth of this trilogy. Still, I will do my best to show as much appreciation and gratitude as possible.

First, my agent, Lauren MacLeod, who was an absolute hero for this book and likes being first. I know I always say what a champion she is, but it’s true. Writing books never gets easier (sorry, everyone who was hoping), but having a smart and supportive agent has been an asset—especially with this series.

The HarperCollins side of this book included amazing people like my editors, Maria Barbo and Stephanie Guerdan, who made this book shine like dragon scales; Joel Tippie, who designed these phenomenal covers; and, of course, Katherine Tegen.

As Mira is surrounded by a group of strong and supportive friends, so am I. Some helped with plotting and sensitivity reads, while others provided emotional support and general enthusiasm. No matter what, this book would not be what it is without every one of these people:

Brodi Ashton, Martina Boone, Adrienne Bowling, Erin Bowman, Valerie Cole, Pintip Dunn, Dana Elmendorf, Cynthia Hand, Deborah Hawkins, Stacey Lee, Myra McEntire, Aminah Mae Safi, Alexa Santiago, Francina Simone, Laurel Symonds, Alana Whitman, and Fran Wilde.

The #FantasyOnFriday girl gang, C. J. Redwine, Erin Summerill, Mary Weber, Danielle Paige, Kristen Ciccarelli, Tricia Levenseller, Beth Revis, Amy A. Bartol, Evelyn Skye, Nadine Brandes, and Livia Blackburne.

Special thanks to the entire OQ Support Group, including Tiffie van Bordeveld, Christina Termini, Sarah Kershaw, Christy Hayes, Julie Daly, Bonnie Wagner, Suna Jung, and Nisha Dey. You went above and beyond with your support for this series, including work on promotion, art, and amplification, and I can’t say how incredibly grateful I am. Thank you.