First and foremost, I owe everything to Auntie Sis. Without her, I might never have stumbled into the world of writing. She was the one who encouraged me to chase my curiosity, to put my thoughts on paper, and to believe that I had a voice worth sharing. Long before I saw it in myself, she saw something in me—and her unwavering support lit the path I'm walking now. I'll never stop being grateful for that.
To—my very first readers. You were the brave ones who tackled the early drafts, back when my writing was more Percy Jackson chaos than anything else. Your patience, your feedback, and your genuine belief in me were invaluable. You helped shape my storytelling when it was still rough and growing, and I couldn't have asked for a better foundation.
A massive thank you to—the final eyes before these pages found their way to the world. Your honest critiques and kind encouragement gave this book its final polish. You helped me cross the finish line, and I'm forever thankful for your insight and support.
I know I'm still finding my voice—maybe somewhere between Riordan's kinetic magic and Tolkien's vast mythos—but every story brings me closer. One day, I hope to meet Rick Riordan, Eiichiro Oda, and Neil Gaiman and thank them in person for the inspiration they've given me.
To everyone who believed in me, guided me, or simply listened—this book is for you.
— Shawn