Chapter 193

Okay, wait. Before you run off to process that cliffhanger or dive into whatever other story in your library is calling your name, I need a favor. Actually, a couple of favors.

First—drop a review. Please. I don't care if it's just "Author is evil for that ending" or a whole essay about why Damon deserves everything coming to him. I read every single one. Yes, even the ones that just say "WHEN IS AVA GOING TO BE OKAY???" in all caps. (Soon. Maybe. Define "okay.")

Your comments literally keep me going when I'm staring at a blank page at 2 AM wondering if Catherine's master plan makes any sense or if I've just been sleep-deprived too long.

Second—hit that vote button. Look, I know it seems like a small thing, but it's how other readers find us. There's someone out there right now scrolling through stories, looking for something with complicated werewolf politics and mothers who'll burn the world down for their kids. Your vote is basically a beacon saying "Hey, over here, we've got emotionally devastating betrayals and mysterious arctic-eyed figures!"

Plus, every time we climb up in rankings, I do a little happy dance. My neighbors think I'm weird, but whatever.

Seriously though, having you all along for this ride means everything. Every review, every vote, every "UPDATE PLEASE" comment—it all reminds me that these characters matter to someone besides the voice in my head that won't shut up about them.

Volume 2 is coming. Soon. With answers, more questions, and probably more reasons to be mad at me.

See you there.

—Jenne Lopes (who definitely didn't cry writing Ava's collapse scene. Nope. Not at all.)

P.S. - First person to correctly guess what's wrong with Ava gets a virtual cookie and bragging rights.

P.P.S. - "She's dying" doesn't count. Be specific, you creative disasters.