Well, hello readers.

This is the author speaking—whether or not the title of the page gave that away—and I’m here to talk about a rather pressing issue. ... All right, perhaps it’s not so pressing, after all. But it is relatively important. Your reading experience could depend on it! ... Oh, come on—don’t tell me you don’t care about that...

There is a prologue in this book that is not from the viewpoint of Serena. It’ll show you the plot and reasoning ahead of time, instead of diving in blindly and reading through as naïve as dear Serena. If you would like to travel through the book while retaining Serena’s naivete, skip to chapter one. If you would like to know what’s going on ahead of time, go on and read the prologue. The choice is yours.

One more thing to address, you wonderful readers, you. (No, I’m not flattering you for the mere purpose of your continued reading—don’t even suggest that). This book is not of a stable time period. There will be stone fortresses and snazzy bootleggers in three piece suits. Why, you ask? Well, you’ll find out by the end, but if you’d rather I explain myself here without spoiling it all, I’ll do my best.

You see, many people come to Dimarchai from different times and places. As to why this is or how they get there... well... you’ll find out by the end of book three. All the same—these anachronisms are there for style and proper painting of the character, and should not detract from the flow of the story. Forgive me if I’m wrong.

I do believe that’s all I have to say for the moment, readers. But first let me inform you that this story has come a long way from where it is now. Dimarchai used to be a land of “Elementals” that formed elemental groups with such terrible names as the “Pyradune” and “Tortaumeii” and... other silly things of the like. It used to be a place of great elemental magic, and deep but stereotypical prejudice. Also? Lenore’s name used to be Kira and Lydia’s used to be Silhi. Ugh—now tell me that’s not just plain terrible. ... No, don’t tell me—as that would be a lie. For it is terrible.

In fact, this story used to be headed off with an author’s note from an “M. D. Neinkelsi” who apparently found a collection of journals from Serena. ... But honestly, how could anyone believe something so outrageously false? I mean... Neinkelsi’s not even a real name. You sleep well, readers, knowing that such a prejudiced place, such a planned and plotted and dangerous place as Dimarchai exists only in dreams.

... For now, anyway.

Much love to you all!

Noelani M. Daniel

P.S.: Yes, that “for now, anyway” comment was supposed to be frightening... I’m well aware I failed.