She took the photo and left, humming as she stepped out into the dark, crossed the gravel path and the field beyond. The monster ran her hands over the wild grass as she made her way to the glint of the distant warehouse, following the scent of blood and death.

She found the first Malchai in the passageway with his heart ripped out. She stepped over him, and made her way toward the second one. He was lying in a pool of light, a metal bar speared through him, suit and skin and bone.

Suit and skin and bone . . . but not heart.

She cocked her head, considering, then took hold of the blood-slicked pole and drew it free with a wet scrape.

The Malchai didn’t move.

Nothing, nothing, and then a sudden rattling sound escaped the monster’s chest, and his red eyes flicked open. He sat up and spit a mouthful of black blood onto the concrete before tipping back his head and looking up at her.

“What is your name, little Malchai?”

She thought about it for a long second, waiting for a name to surface. And then it did, welling up like blood, and she answered, “Alice.”

The Malchai’s lips curled into a wicked smile, and he began to laugh, the sound ringing through the warehouse like a song.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Every time I sit down to write acknowledgments, I freeze. Not because there are so few to thank, but because there are so many, and I know with increasing dread that the harder I try to remember them all, the more of them I will forget. With that in mind, I have taken to using broad strokes, but know that every single reader, supporter, friend, fan, has a hand in this book, and in every book.

To my mother and father. Ten books later, and you still haven’t given up on me, or told me to get a real job. I promise never to put you in a book.

To my agent, Holly Root, for your steadfast support and serious hustle. You are the best champion, and I’m so glad that you’re mine.

To my editor, Martha Mihalick, for being both a sharp editor and a lovely person, and for demanding the best I can give. It’s an honor to work with you.

To my entire team at Greenwillow, from the designers to the marketing and publicity stars. To my UK team at Titan, from Miranda Jewess to Lydia Gittins and so many more.

To the six C’s who keep me afloat, three on each side of the ocean. You are my buoys, my bests.

To my housemate Jenna, for somehow turning random ingredients into delicious meals, and for reminding me to leave the house.

To the incredible network of writers and readers in the Nashville area, for making this community a true joy to be a part of.

And most of all, to my readers. Through thick and thin, high and low, you’re with me.