Cara Shultz - The Dark World

“Doesn’t hurt to be prepared,” he muttered, before turning to face me. I was standing a few steps above him, making us eye level.

“I swear it to you, Paige. I will get you home, if it’s the last and only thing I do.”

With that, Logan turned around, and I let my love lead me down into the darkness.

* * * * *

YOU’D THINK WRITING a book just requires an idea and a laptop, but the truth is, an author needs—and heavily relies on—his or her support system to get those words down. I’d like to give thanks to the following people who supported me on this journey:

Natashya Wilson and the brilliant team at Harlequin Teen. I have to especially thank my wonderful editor Annie Stone for her exceptional insight and guidance, and Tara Gavin, who gave me the opportunity to live my dream with Spellbound . I’ll be forever grateful.

My fantastic agent, Lynn Seligman. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner.

Dawn Yanek. Paige and Logan would probably still be on a roof somewhere without you. Thank you for your invaluable advice, edits and, most of all, your friendship.

My husband, Dave. Thank you for your support and patience when I live in my head and leave my shoes in the living room as I get to know my characters. Mom, you read my first stories and instilled in me a love of reading and writing, and belief in myself. My Ponyville girls, Mindy Monez and Catharine McNelly, you keep me crazy and sane in all the best ways. Melinda Oswandel, Ben Trivett, you guys rock. Kate Treadway, KP Simmon, Hannah McBride, Lisa Mandina and Alice Marvels, thanks so much for your support and kindness and, of course, 140 characters of entertainment. Brielle and Shaelyn, I can’t wait to watch you grow up and see what books you love. I love you girls.