My mother came forward, clasping my father’s hand in hers. “Even now, you still have a choice, my darling. We will not uphold the contract if you don’t want to wed. We always intended for the two of you to be together.” She eyed Rafe warmly. “But it seems you beat us to it.”
I looked up at Rafe. “The harvest ball is a good time to announce the betrothal,” I said to my parents. “But there will be no wedding just yet.” I squeezed Rafe’s hand and he understood. We had already decided we were not going to marry immediately. We were still young, and there was so much for us to do. Rafe had to sort out his kingdom, and I had to help my parents rebuild mine. Morgana had destroyed whole parts of our world, and it would take time and effort to restore and heal. And now that Illaria Lightbringer and the ancient queens of Elfi had made him immortal, we had all the time in the world.
My father beamed from ear to ear. He seemed happy he wasn’t going to lose his only daughter just yet, especially since we had all just found each other again. We needed to be a family again, to spend time together. There were so many years to make up for, and I wasn’t going to waste another moment.
I knew Rafe and I would be together eventually, of that I was sure. Whatever happened and wherever I went, in this world or any other, my heart would know.
And I would always choose him.
Every single time.
Acknowledgments
It has been a long journey to reach the end of a series that I have been working on for nearly ten years. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of so many wonderful people.
I would like to thank the extraordinary Kate Tilton, who has been a pillar of support throughout the whole process, and without whom none of this would have been possible. I am so grateful for her unflagging enthusiasm and tireless work to bring this series to its completion.
To my superb editors, Amanda Rutter and Christie Stratos, for their keen insight, patience, and guidance, which have helped me grow as a writer and produce the best possible version of this book.
To the awesome team at Wise Ink Creative Publishing, especially Laura Zats, for believing in me and my books. Thank you for all the work and expertise you have put in to bring this series to readers and for helping me realize my dreams.
To my amazing cover designer, Steven Meyer-Rassow, for capturing the essence of the book and creating two spellbinding covers.
To the talented Joshua Stolarz for creating a beautiful, detailed map of the world of Avalonia.
I would also like to thank the talented team at Findaway Voices for helping me create the audiobooks for this series, and the wonderful Fiona Hardingham for bringing my characters to life with her incredible performance.
And finally, a big thank you to all my wonderful readers and fans who have supported The Avalonia Chronicles from the very beginning. You are the reason I write.
About the Author
Farah Oomerbhoy is the international bestselling author of The Avalonia Chronicles. Her first book, The Last of the Firedrakes, was originally published on Wattpad where it gained over two million reads and a Watty Award. Since publication, The Last of the Firedrakes and book two The Rise of the Dawnstar have gone on to win numerous awards, including matching silver medals in IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin Awards. Wielding her master’s degree in English literature and her love of the fantastical, Farah spends her creative time crafting magical worlds for young adults. She lives with her family in Mumbai, India but can often be found checking closets for magic portals to Narnia.
FarahOomerbhoy.com
