“This is about more than you, Xhea. You don’t understand what you’ve done, do you?” Lorn glanced up at the merging Towers directly above them, then to the Central Spire and back down at her face. “You’ve brought a Radiant—a true Radiant—to the Lower City.” He laughed incredulously, fear and hope threaded through the words, his voice deep and rich like old velvet. “Everything is about to change.”
“But . . . what am I supposed to do?”
“For now?” Lorn said. “Rest. There will be time enough to talk tomorrow.”
“Rest, Xhea,” Shai whispered in echo, her voice by Xhea’s ear. Shai’s ghostly fingers reached out to curl around Xhea’s own once more. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
Xhea let out a long, slow breath. She tightened her grip and held to Shai’s hand as if she’d never let her go.
“Okay,” she whispered. And it was.
Her stretcher was lifted and they began the slow walk back to the Lower City.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I stared writing Radiant in 2008, and the journey from there to here has been a long one, with many unexpected turns. I never could have done it alone. I’d like to say thank you:
To my writing partner, Jana Paniccia, for countless hours of support, laughter, and advice. You read the rough and ragged first draft with its notes, missteps, and placeholders—“And then something interesting happens!”—and helped me turn it into a real story. I owe you so much more than a coffee.
To Greg Smyth, my surprise second reader, my husband, and my person, for . . . everything. For listening to my countless ideas and worries and rants, for your calm in the midst of unexpected storms, for the myriad cups of tea. For being awesome.
To Susan Mosser, my most perfect reader, for seeing the story I wanted to tell through all the chaos and misplaced words, and cheering me on until I brought it to life.
To my beta readers, Leah Bobet, Michelle Sagara, Terry Pearson, and Julie Czerneda, for all your helpful thoughts and feedback.
To Julie and Roger for opening your home and your family to me, and for providing such a perfect place to finish my first novel.
To my awesome agent, Sara Megibow, for your support and advice and unwavering enthusiasm.
To my family and friends for your love and mockery, your enthusiasm and sarcasm, your shared frustration and joy, and for the kind provision of baked goods. I’d list you all here if I could.
To the Canada Council for the Arts and the Toronto Arts Council for their generous support and funding, without which this novel might still not be finished.
And to you, the reader, for giving a new author a try. I know how many books vie for your time and attention, and am grateful beyond words that you took a chance on mine.
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