This Cycle is dedicated to:

My dad for always being my wings; helping me soar over adversity and feeding my love for flight. My mom for showing me what my hooves can really do, jumping the hurdles of life and guiding the importance of a clean run. My daughter for being the spark of my fire and igniting the passion of the story within. I will always come for you, my Lana. My sons; my vivacious, curious, and loving little dragons. Thanks for reminding me to look at our own world with wonder. My husband for being the Zen in my life. Like Lana, I’d be lost without you. My big sister who, no matter how much I intentionally annoy, loves me anyways! My nephew, the biggest bookworm on the planet (Whom I based Zen’s thirst for knowledge on). My niece, my horse crazy gal (I hope you enjoy Xaf, he’s for you). My brother-in-law whose sarcasm, matter-of-factness and love for the outdoors became entombed forever in this book under the guise of the Old Man. My Chelsea, Stacey, Eddie and Caroline for showing me true, undying friendship. Even in the darkest places, I’m never alone. My cousin for providing the wonderful art and inspiration of the fortitude of the women in this story. To all my English teachers whom always encouraged me to write and pursue literature. I might not have listened all the time, but I tried, so here’s your proof! To the rest of my family and friends who have helped shape me into who I am and thus influenced the novel.