Burning Magic

by Joshua Khan

More than two hundred years had gone by since Hades had first fluttered over Castle Gloom. For decades, he had served House Shadow in times of war. The big monster was scored with wounds, ancient and not so ancient. Thorn traced his hand over the long sword slash near Hades’s neck, and the three puncture marks caused by a trident during a battle against House Coral. The scars, at least a century old, were now just faint white spots where the fur had never fully grown back. His recent injuries from the phoenixes, including his torn left wing, had been sewn up, and he seemed no worse for wear.

  Ever since Thorn had awoken Hades from his years-long hibernation, the bat had been free to do as he pleased. It just so happened that his pleasures usually coincided with what Thorn wanted. Thorn didn’t own Hades—how could anyone own such a creature?—but everywhere he went, so did Hades.

  And that would never change.

  “You get on first,” he told Lily. “I’ll sit behind so you don’t slide off.”

  She sighed and hitched up her skirts. She didn’t have Thorn’s nimbleness in climbing on, and there was a bit of scooting before she found a comfortable position between the bat’s shoulders. Lily blew a white strand from her face. “Come on, then.”

  Thorn swung himself up behind her.

  Lily spread out her hand and a shimmering patch of darkness grew before them, first the size of a door, then wider until it was bigger than a castle gate.

  Hades began to beat his wings, and he rose to the tips of his claws. His fur stood on end as he faced the black portal. He hissed.

  “Is Hades scared?” Lily asked.

  “Scared?” Thorn laughed. “He’s warning whatever’s out there that he’s coming and they’d better run.”

  Lily turned her head to him. “Hold on tight.”

  He locked his arms around Lily’s waist as Hades took to wing. The bat rose up and took a big circle over Palace Djinn.

  Thorn looked down at the fires and the celebrations in Nahas as they honored their new sultan.

  “Sultan K’leef,” he said. “Who would have believed it?”

  Then Hades banked and tucked in his wings.

  “Ready?” asked Lily.

  “Lead the way, Lady Shadow.”

  Thorn’s heart pounded. He didn’t know what lay ahead. More adventure. More mystery. More danger.

  But he didn’t care. He had Lily, he had Hades, and that was all that mattered.

  Hades roared as he dove into the portal. Lily gasped, and then the three of them vanished into the all-consuming darkness.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Writing is a kind of magic. These semi-random lines of ink can transport us, make us weep, laugh, rage, and ponder, sometimes well after the covers have closed. If I have taken you, however briefly, away from your day-to-day and into the company of Thorn, Lily, and the indomitable Hades, then I have done all I ever aspired to do.

  But this magic was not accomplished alone. All sorcerers need help—just ask Lily. My help came from some of the most magical people I know.

  First, always, is Sarah Davies of the Greenhouse Literary Agency, my mentor, my first (and often most dread) reader, and my friend. I would not be here without her.

  Then, certainly a sorceress of the greatest power and wisdom, is my editor, Stephanie Lurie. This little dark trilogy was her doing, and I still feel a thrill each time I remember I am edited by her at Disney Hyperion. The publishing house has some history with princesses, after all.

  My family has been a constant source of inspiration. My wife gave me the courage to follow the path of shadows, pushing me to explore all those dark places of my imagination and bring out what lurked there. My eldest daughter was my sounding board for all the wild adventures and strange inhabitants of Gehenna and the New Kingdoms. My youngest reminded me of what heroes are: stubborn, bold, and devoted. I can never express how much you fill my heart each and every day.

  Thanks to Alison and Ruth, who persevered through many pages with their cunning eyes and heads. You made me appear far more accomplished than I really am! Gabriel would be proud.

  I must give special thanks to my sisters and parents. This saga is about kinship—of blood, and by adoption. All that is good about family is because of them.

  I have been incredibly lucky to have the support of other writers, many my heroes. Rick Riordan needs no introduction and is every bit as great in real life as you’d hope your heroes to be. Jonathan Stroud has inspired me since before I started writing, and each new tale of his brings the household to a complete halt. Then there is my local conclave, Natasha Ngan, Alex Bell, Jane Hardstaff, Ali Standish, Louie Stowell, and James Noble. All are writers of rare talent, and friends of the truest hearts. I hope you know what you mean to me.

  In the end, my biggest thanks go to you, the reader! My heroes only truly live within you. No author can possess those whom he or she creates, mainly because we have seen them rise from nothing, from the random ideas and thoughts that were eventually filtered down to leave the darkest of princesses and the most loyal of outlaws. You ultimately own the characters and bring meaning to their existence. So, on behalf of Lilith of House Shadow and Thorn of Herne’s Forest, we thank you.

  Good night and sweet dreams,

  Josh

  JOSHUA KHAN is the author of two other books about Lily and Thorn: Shadow Magic and Dream Magic. He was born in Britain, a land filled with ancient castles, dark forests, and tales of legendary heroes and fantastical monsters. He has visited King Arthur’s grave and stood at the ancient oak where Robin Hood once gathered his Merry Men.

  So, his head stuffed with magical stories, it was inevitable that Joshua would want to create some of his own. Hence the Shadow Magic series.

  Josh lives in London with his family, but he’d rather live in a castle. It wouldn’t have to be very big, just as long as it had battlements. Follow him on Twitter @WriterJoshKhan. And to find out more, go to www.joshuakhan.com.