Wildest Dreams
Page 29
wrong. I shouldn't bother Erek with it. I press the black opal into the waistband of my gown and look to him. "Nothing, it was nothing."
"Who was that faery? What did he do to me?" He of- fers me his hand.
"Just a member of the Second Court. A useless threat, Erek."
He doesn't look convinced. "We need to go."
He sets his mouth in a thin line and gives me a tight nod. "Yes, your Majesty."
Erek offers his hand to help me onto the pegasus with gold in her mane. As I situate myself on her back, placing my legs carefully behind her delicate wings, Erek mounts the beautiful creature beside me.
"My court will help me heal. I need them as much as they need me." My words couldn't be truer. Erek sim- ply dips his head in acknowledgment before he coerces the pegasuses for takeoff. The air bites my face at the jolt as my pegasus lifts us off the ground and beats her wings rapidly before steadying off at a level pace through the gray clouds and toward the First Seasons Court. Toward home.
Acknowledgements
I'm not sure how I did this, writing the first book. It took a while. There was a lot of doubt in my ability, a lot of research, some internal fighting that took place. So many moments I wonder about what set me apart from other authors. Why would I be able to publish a book? That's just a dream, I often told myself.
But there was a lot of support too. I want to say a special thank you to my best friend Michelle. She is basically my sister and throughout a personal time during writing this I almost gave it up completely, but she kept pushing me, helping me commit and follow- ing up on those commitments. Thank you for being that rock for me during that struggle.
I would also like to thank my beta-readers, espe- cially Deshaun and one of my friends, Anna. Your feedback and insight were superb and extremely bene- ficial to understand how the story was perceived from different points of view. I appreciate the feedback as remaining unbiased and honest, it helped me to really understand what a reader needs and helped me to strengthen my story. I could not have written this (at
least not as well) without your help and truly, I appre- ciate it.
Thank you for my astounding team. To my illustra- tor Jeanette Barroso and J20Graphics, the images you created feel so alive and truly reveal what this book holds and who our main character is. We both know people are going to judge a book by its' cover, only pos- itive judgment here. You are amazing to work with.
To my editor, Alexandra Ellis, your support and sug- gestions have helped me to really grow as a writer. There is always room for improvement, especially as one starts this path, and I don't think I could've chosen anyone better to work with. You helped to bring this book up multiple levels and I look forward to working with you on book two.
I have to say a special thanks to a couple of my fa- vorite authors, without you ladies I would have never had the inspiration and motivation to continue push- ing for this. So thank you, Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black, for your amazing stories and inspiration. Never stop writing, it truly gives us the ability to dream and inspires many young souls. I am not sure that I would have pursued this journey without opening and read- ing your books, without all the support, words from college professors enjoying my writing, thank you, everyone. Family and friends, mentors and people I have never met, so many people had a hand in this book. I can't wait to take on a new journey and see what unfolds next. Never hold yourself to one path, life has so many options, give yourself the ability to
explore many and remember, magic is more than card tricks. Magic is real and ever-present if you just look.
About The Author
Faith Ellis writes to inspire the world to dream and imag- ine magical places outside of the typical world. She was born and raised in North Carolina where she currently lives with her furbaby, Maddie. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys trav- eling, and working on her YouTube channel dedicated to fit- ness and health.