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Of Ice and Shadows

Page 38

by Audrey Coulthurst


  I snuggled in next to her and gazed out the window at the treetops and valleys below us, strangely content in spite of the challenges I knew lay ahead. Our life together would never be like the fantasies I dreamed up in my mind, because perfection wasn’t sustainable. There would always be new obstacles to overcome, new difficulties to face, and ways that Denna and I would change over time. But even if a lifetime of perfection wasn’t possible, perfect moments were. Nestled against her and looking out over the mountains with hot chocolate in my hands and the girl I loved beside me—moments didn’t get more perfect than that.

  Snowflakes began to fall, blurring the outside world with white, so I turned back to Denna for another kiss, knowing that wherever the future took us, we would go together.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Of Ice and Shadows wouldn’t be here without the passionate readers who loved Of Fire and Stars. You are the ones who made it possible for me to continue Denna and Mare’s story. My agent, Alexandra Machinist, and my editor, Kristin Rens, are also owed bottomless debts of thanks for their faith in my writing—I couldn’t have two better pillars for my career.

  Kristin, thank you for moving mountains for me throughout the writing and publication of this book. Each book has been harder for me than the last, but your dedication and help have always seen me through the storms. Every one of your authors is infinitely lucky to have you. Other team members at Balzer + Bray and the brilliant freelancers they hire are also due great thanks: designer Michelle Taormina and artist Jacob Eisinger for yet another incredible cover; Audrey Diestelkamp and Mitch Thorpe for marketing and publicity support; and Renée Cafiero and Valerie Shea for heroism in copyediting (also known as preventing me from routinely looking like a complete idiot).

  My friends and critique partners are owed my gratitude as always, but especially Rebecca Leach, Helen Wiley, Kali Wallace, and Paula Garner. You all helped me with some unspeakably terrible drafts of this book. Rebecca, you in particular are owed a debt I hope I will be able to repay—thank you for Aster, Brynan, and saving me from drowning. Honorable mentions also go to Ben Chiles, Gretchen Flicker, Doug Twisselmann, Adriana Mather, Gretchen Schreiber, Elizabeth Briggs, Rachel Searles, Jessica Love, and Kathryn Rose. Also, welcome to the world, babies Haxtun, Theodore, and Erin!

  At the day job Katie Stout, Elisha Walker, Allison Saft, Kia Christian, and Delia Davila are owed my infinite thanks for making sure I maintain a few shreds of sanity in spite of working two difficult jobs.

  Charlie—thank you for being a strong, healthy little guy during the writing of this book. You were right there with me through the exhausting days and sleepless nights, but not once did you make me worry about your health or well-being. And now that you’re here, you delight me every day with your smiles and the funny way you sleep.

  Lastly, I would be completely lost without my wife, Casi Clarkson. Surviving a full-time job, pregnancy, and drafting a book all in the space of a year would have been utterly impossible without your support. Casi, you are the kindest, funniest wife, and I am so thankful for you. None of my success would have been possible without you, and it is such a joy that I have you as a partner in life and parenting. Happy ten-year anniversary—I love you.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo credit Evrim Icoz Photography

  AUDREY COULTHURST writes YA books that tend to involve magic, horses, and kissing the wrong people. When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she can usually be found painting, singing, or on the back of a horse. Audrey has a master’s degree in writing from Portland State University. She lives in Santa Monica, California. She is also the author of Of Fire and Stars and Inkmistress. She can be found online at www.audreycoulthurst.com.

  Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

  BOOKS BY AUDREY COULTHURST

  Of Fire and Stars

  Of Ice and Shadows

  Inkmistress

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  COPYRIGHT

  Balzer + Bray is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

  OF ICE AND SHADOWS. Copyright © 2019 by Audrey Coulthurst. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.

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  Cover art © 2019 by YIPPIEHEY

  Cover design by MICHELLE TAORMINA

  Digital Edition SEPTEMBER 2019 ISBN: 978-0-06-284124-7

  Print ISBN: 978-0-06-284122-3

  1920212223PC/LSCH10987654321

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