Empower (51 page)

It had been my seventeenth birthday when my world had changed. I’d been headed towards a future that I thought I wanted, and it included a place in the prestigious Fenton Art Course. Of course, my path had altered since then, and between the heartache and blood loss, well, art had been lost to me as well. But I missed it every day. It was a part of me. Part of my humanity.

The course started next month.

I sank into the arms of the man I loved, knowing that the inclinations I’d once felt to run or quit were far behind me, and that in their place was a simple readiness to face whatever lay ahead, with my partner at my side, and to appreciate the good moments for all they could be. I inhaled deeply – a new memory logged – and at that moment I realised that birthdays would forever more be one of my favourite things.

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Grigori (G) Angel Light (AL) Angel Dark (AD) Exile once light (EL) Exile once dark (ED)

W
riting this series
has changed
my
life. Big
words, I know, but very true. Discovering Violet’s character marked the beginning of my writing career, literally changing the direction of my life and for that, these books will always be so close to my heart. I guess you could say that while I discovered Violet, it was Violet who really discovered me. So it is bittersweet to say goodbye to her.

There are many people to thank. First of all, Selwa Anthony, my agent, who was the first to see something special about these characters and this story: thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, since you first read
Embrace
.

To my publishers, Hachette: wow, it really does feel like an end to an era. Special thanks to Vanessa Radnidge, the best publisher a girl could ask for and an absolute joy to work with. To editor Kate Ballard, who has worked tirelessly on the books since day one: thank you, thank you! Also, to editor Claire de Medici and proofreader Pam Dunne: thank you for all of your work and contributions that have helped to make this book all that it can be.

Much gratitude to Publishing Director Fiona Hazard and Children’s Books Sales & Marketing Director Chris Raine, who have stood firmly behind this series from the outset. A huge shout out to Airlie Lawson in
international rights: you are amazing! And to Christine Fairbrother in marketing and Theresa Bray in publicity: thank you for the many, many things that you have done to bring these books to readers!

To my family and friends – you are the best support and I am so grateful to you all for enduring the countless hypothetical conversations, the over-analysing and the cover dissections. Thank you all for your kindness, generosity and support. Special thanks to my first readers: Mum, Harriet and Kylie – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your feedback!

Huge thanks to my husband, Matt, and our girls, Sienna and Winter. Committing to write these books has taken a lot of time, yes, but also a big piece of mind and heart space. Sometimes it is exhausting, and not just for me but also for those who have to live with me! So, thank you for always understanding and never criticising, even when anyone else would have. I love you guys!

Finally, to the readers around the world who have taken this journey with me: thank you for giving your time to these characters and for trusting me to tell this story. I have my fingers crossed that come the end, you will feel it was time well spent!

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