Meredy arches a brow. “I don’t know of any other ships leaving Karthian seas anytime soon, do you?” Retreating behind her mask of coolness, she adds, “Besides, it seemed the smartest thing to do, given . . . recent circumstances.” She pauses, narrowing her eyes at me. “Now. What are you doing here?”
I shake my head. “Believe it or not, the same as you.” When she frowns, I add, “I thought I’d fulfill Evander’s dreams since he’ll never have the chance.”
Meredy sighs. “Well, since we’re both here, we’ll just have to make the best of things, no?”
I watch her lips for a moment before I concede, “Sure, Master Crowther,” nudging her playfully.
A wave crashes against the shore we’re leaving behind. The only place I’ve ever known. I wonder when I’ll see it again, and what else will change before then. Already, Valoria has reopened the temples of Change and spoken with her advisors about starting a mage school. A place to help people understand their magic—its dangers and its gifts.
“You’ll find your way back here sooner than you think, Sparrow,” Meredy murmurs, as if sensing my thoughts.
I open my mouth to say I hope so, but the words won’t come out. Even if I did return soon, what would Jax, Simeon, and Danial say about my leaving? Worst of all is picturing the betrayal on Valoria’s face. I’m not sure I want to come back to Karthia soon, if ever. The only thing I’m sure I want right now is to be alone so I can clear my head, but that’s plainly not going to happen.
“Storm’s coming,” Kasmira says.
I glance over my shoulder. Behind us, our captain searches the dawn skies with her gray-eyed Sight, checking whether she’ll need to work her magic. “Hope you’re both ready for an interesting first day’s sailing.”
“Oh, it’s already interesting,” Meredy whispers, almost making me smile.
If I close my eyes, listening to the gulls’ cries and breathing the salt air, I can pretend for a moment that nothing’s changed. But when I open them, there’s a beautiful girl by my side with adventure in her eyes, and a new world shimmers on the horizon.
And at long last, I’m ready to greet it.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
So many brilliant people played a role in bringing Odessa’s story to life—and, in doing so, played an important role in mine as well:
First and foremost: Lucy Carson, the champion agent every author dreams of and deserves. The one who believes in me even when I don’t. I am beyond fortunate to benefit from your guidance, wit, and wisdom. I’d trust you to have my back in the dangerous Deadlands—even if neither of us knows how to wield a sword!
Equally vital to this story was Jessica Almon, editor extraordinaire and now wonderful friend. From the moment we first spoke on the phone, your love for Odessa and her world was so clear, I knew I had to work with you. The care that you put into editing with me gave me renewed confidence and joy in my writing, and I will forever be thankful for that. Thank you also for always staying true to my voice and vision as we worked to polish each scene.
Extra-big thanks to Julie Rosenberg for stepping in to help bring this story to publication and to continue the adventures in book two. Odessa and her friends are in excellent hands with you, and I’m so lucky and thrilled to have you on Team Reign!
My wonderful publicist, Elyse Marshall, and the rest of the fierce folks at Razorbill—Ben Schrank, Alex Sanchez, Casey McIntyre, and so many others: Thank you so much for all your hard work in making this book a reality, for truly making me feel like a valued member of the team, and for publishing lots of my favorite stories! Here’s to taking risks and making good art.
Many thanks to Toby and Pete, Maggie Edkins, and Kristin Boyle for creating and designing the book cover of my dreams. And thanks to Eric Ford for the beautiful interior!
Lenore Dukes, thank you for patiently spending so much time brainstorming and talking through the idea for Reign with me on the phone when it was in its fledgling stages; this story wouldn’t be the same without your thoughtful influence.
Martina Boone and Jodi Meadows, two super-talented authors and marvelous friends. Thank you for talking out this idea with me late one night at our hotel room in New Jersey, back when Reign was just scribbles in a notebook, and for giving me new ways to think about villains.
My amazing CPs and beta readers: the one and only KT, the talented Eve Castellan, world’s best pen pal Kat Kennedy, the phenomenal Mana from The Book Voyagers, Brittany (of Book Rambles fame), sweet Becky G from Life of a BookNerd Addict, darling Nori from ReadWriteLove28, super-smart editor Carolee Noury, Natalie B., Christine Pellegrini, Rachel Simon, Emily Skrutskie, Rachel Stevenson, and Amber Hendricks. I’m so grateful for your insights as readers, but even more so for your friendship, whether we only chat occasionally or we text every day.
Jessica Spotswood and Wendy Higgins, thank you so much for your support for this story and for your friendship!
Jo Painter, one of my favorite artists. Thank you for your support and for working with me to bring these characters to life so beautifully.
My dear, creative friends Gwen Cole, Erin Cashman, Erin Manning, Erin McQuaig, Chelsea Bobulski, Ami Allen-Vath, Teresa Yea, Heidi Lang, Kati Bartkowski, Rachel Pudelek, Brian Schwarz, Joe Sparks, M Evan Matyas, Christina Gustin, Anna Schafer, Laura Weymouth, Karina from AfirePages, Lauren from Live, Love, Read, and the inimitable ladies of 16 to Read. Thank you for your friendship, your ability to make me laugh, your willingness to let me vent, and just generally inspiring me with your awesomeness.
My family: Mom and Dad, my sister Lindsey, Nana and Papa, Team Williams, Ben and Galena, and the rest of the Peters family. Also my in-laws, Marilyn and Joe Lauscher. I’m so thankful to have you all in my life.
Chris, you get your own paragraph. Epic. Thank you for giving this book its title, for listening to my favorite scenes out loud so many times, for always seeing me as I am and accepting me, and for pushing me to dream bigger.
Every marginalized person who has spoken out and who continues to speak out against injustice and in doing so encourages our society to grow and change in the right ways: We need your voices now more than ever.
Lastly, to everyone reading this, whether you helped bring this book to life in any way or you’ve just arrived in Karthia for the first time: Thank you for going on this journey with me. Much love to you all.
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Reign of the Fallen Page 31