5.0 - Light Of The Stygian Orb
Page 29
Still, she felt better knowing that if the worst were to happen, she’d made up with Steve. After everything she’d been through, she realized she could live with not telling him about every part of her life. He knew enough that he wouldn’t ask questions if he saw she was tired from late-night meetups with Zach or injured from future run-ins with demons or ghouls. He also knew so little that she didn’t have to worry about him being dragged into anything he didn’t want to be. His life could continue on the path he’d set for himself, which was just as important for her as the new path she was setting out on.
It was a balance she could not only live with, but looked forward to keeping.
Except for one small shift.
She reached into her bag and pulled the rosewood box onto her lap.
“I do need to ask you for one huge favor, though,” she said.
She’d thought about it all morning as she’d run through what she was going to say to him and had concluded it was the best solution. Steve’s lack of curiosity about the otherworld would keep the orb safe. And he was human, which meant if he held on to it to see what it was, it would have no effect on him. She’d thought about asking Emmett for the same reason, but his association with Daphne would put them at too great a risk. Steve was completely detached from the situation.
His house was the perfect hiding place.
“Sure,” he said, and although she detected a note of wariness in his voice, there was no hesitation. “What do you need me to do?”
Molly opened the box to reveal the orb within. “I need you to help me save the world.”
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Acknowledgments
The book made me nervous for a bunch of reasons. Not only was I working with characters I hadn’t seen in a while, but Molly also has characteristics I don’t have much experience with. I really wanted to do her justice, as well as create a deafblind character who was realistic and as accurate as possible, magic aside. Some people recommended that I change her, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. She walked into my head the way she was, and I wanted to respect that.
In an effort to get to know her, I spent a great deal of time researching deafblindness, watching videos and documentaries, reading case studies, getting to know as much as possible. Any errors that I made are my own, but I really appreciate my experience and the opportunity to learn more about the challenges these individuals face.
Big thanks go to Brittany Day for checking my accuracy and tone and teaching me small details I never would have considered. Thanks to Jessica White at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Janice Clark at the RA Centre who allowed me to sit in on an archery lesson to pick up some basics.
Thank you to my editor, Sue Archer, who helped me work with a sullen daemelus and a teenage girl and ensure they became people who were worth spending time with.
Thanks to Ravven, my cover artist, who blew me away with the beauty and perfection of Molly’s character.
Many thanks to my beta readers — Tina Miles, Adam Couturier, and Shannon Martin — whose feedback and notes kept me smiling even as I worked through the final drafts of the book.
As always, much gratitude to Kate Sparkes for helping me hammer home the important points to help gear up towards the finale.
Continued love and thanks to my family for all of their support, and my husband, Chris Reddie, who laughed at every joke I included in this book, making me feel confident that I’d hit the right mark.
As for you, my readers, thank you for giving me the motivation to continue on with this series. It’s been a long one, but each has been a learning experience and helped me become a stronger writer. The finale is almost here, and I’m looking forward to sharing the last installment with you. It wouldn’t exist if not for you.
Other Works by Krista Walsh
The Meratis Trilogy
Evensong
Eventide
Evenlight
The Cadis Trilogy
Bloodlore
Blightlore
Bladelore
The Invisible Entente
The Invisible Entente prequel novella
Death at Peony House
Song of Wishrock Harbor
Howl of the Fettered Wolf
About the Author
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out.
When not writing, she can be found reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story.
She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
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At the local Second Cup coffee shop … but only if you come bearing a White Mocha