To my readers and the hands that helped shape this story,
Writing this first novel has been much like the journey of Elara and Kaelen—a process of trial, error, and finding light in the quietest corners. As an aspiring author, the transition from a solitary draft to a shared world is both terrifying and exhilarating, and I am profoundly grateful for those who walked this path with me.
To My Readers
Thank you for opening your hearts to the kingdom of Aethelgard. In a world full of stories, you chose to sit at my hearth. Your willingness to follow a baker witch and a stone knight through the salt marshes and into the fire means more to me than words can express. Thank you for letting my imagination live within yours; your passion is the true "living yeast" that makes a story rise.
To My Editors
To those who looked at my "raw dough" and saw the potential for a masterpiece—thank you. Your keen eyes and thoughtful critiques were the fire that tempered this story. You pushed me to dig deeper into the shadows of the Bitter-Base and to find the true melody in the silence. Thank you for your patience, your expertise, and for believing in Elara's recipe as much as I do.