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Praise for New York Times bestselling author
MARIA V. SNYDER
‘This is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they’ve read it.’
—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Poison Study
‘This rare sequel to live up to the promise of its predecessor, Magic Study is a wonderful combination of romance and fantasy.’ —Audible.com Editor’s Pick: Best of 2006, Romance
‘Snyder delivers another excellent adventure, deftly balancing international and local hostilities against Yelena’s personal struggles.’
—Publishers Weekly on Fire Study
‘With new magic and new people introduced in Storm Glass, Ms Snyder has a fertile new landscape to mine for us. I cannot wait.’ —Fallen Angel Reviews, a Recommended Read
‘A compelling new fantasy series.’
—SFX magazine on Sea Glass
‘Inside Out surprised and touched me on so many levels. It’s a wonderful, thoughtful book full of vivid characters and a place—Inside—that is by turn alien and heart-breakingly familiar. Maria V. Snyder is one of my favourite authors, and she’s done it again!’ —New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine
Also by New York Times bestselling author
Maria V. Snyder
The Chronicles of Ixia
POISON STUDY
MAGIC STUDY
FIRE STUDY
STORM GLASS
SEA GLASS
SPY GLASS
The Insider series
INSIDE OUT
OUTSIDE IN
Avry of Kazan series
TOUCH OF POWER
SCENT OF MAGIC
www.miraink.co.uk
Spy Glass
Maria V. Snyder
For Bob Mecoy, agent extraordinaire.
Without your encouragement and frequent feedback on this one, it would never have been finished.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank-you to my husband, Rodney, and children, Luke and Jenna. Their encouragement and support never wavers.
During the writing of my books, I’m thankful to have a wonderful network of supporters. My critique partner, Kimberley J. Howe, is always willing to read and comment on my first drafts. My friend Judi Fleming has encouraged me in many ways. Our contest to see who could write the most words in a day was what I needed to finish the story. Thanks for the incentive and the wine!
After visits to Harlequin’s Toronto, New York City and London offices, I was amazed to learn how many people are involved in getting my manuscript transformed into a published book. I like to thank them all for their hard work and effort on my books!
My excellent editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, thankfully continues to give me invaluable advice and inspiration. Thanks to Elizabeth Mazer, a vital member of our team.
The art department has done a fantastic job with this bright cover. Many thanks to all the talented artists, designers and photographers for your creative efforts.
A special thank you to my friend Kathy Flowers. She arranged for me to take a tour of a maximum security prison and then played tour guide for the day. It was an enlightening experience and a bit scary as we mingled with the inmates. And a shout out to the Black Sergeant, visitor number one-three-six-five thanks you for your time.
And a huge thanks to my massive army of Book Commandos! Your efforts have helped in spreading the word about my books. Special mention to those who have gone above and beyond the call to duty: Louise Bateman, Justin Boyer, Elizabeth Earhart, Michelle Gottier, Jane Gov, Jimmy Grogan, Jen Grzebien, Kelley Hartsell, Kate Ladd, Heather Lloyd, Denise Löchtermann, James Pellow, Kelly Plaia, Erica Rowe, Greg Schauer, Laura Schibinger, Jessica Scott, Larry Smith, Ashlen Stevenson, Julie Walsh and Sarah Weir. Valek may try to recruit you to his team.
THE TERRITORY OF IXIA
Chapter One
CROUCHING IN THE DARKNESS OF THE CLOSET, I STILLED as footsteps approached. My instincts screamed to run. I stared at the thin ribbon of light under the door, shadows of shoes paused. I silently urged them to walk away. All I wanted was one day of peace. One day. The knob turned. No luck. With a whoosh of fresh air, my hiding spot was exposed.
“For sand’s sake, Opal, what are you doing in there?” my mother asked.
I suppressed a sigh. The truth—hiding from her—wouldn’t help. “Looking for my boots?”
Her scowl deepened as she pushed back a lock of graying hair. “They’re on your feet.”
I straightened. “Oh…yes…well.”
“Come. There are a thousand things we need to do, and you’re wasting time.” She shooed me through my room and downstairs to the kitchen. “Sit and read me the guest list while I cook lunch.”
My gaze swept the long wooden table filled with paper, swatches of fabric, lace, sequins, sewing patterns and half-completed decorations—enough clutter to force us to eat in our formal dining room. I cursed my sister Mara under my breath. Before returning to work at the Magician’s Keep’s glass shop, Mara had asked our mother to plan her and Leif’s wedding, trusting her with everything. Smart girl. She remained a safe five-day journey away from Mother’s all-consuming new passion.
When I failed to sit at the table, she stabbed a spoon at the chair. “Guest list, Opal.”
“You’ve been over it a hundred times.”
“I want to be certain—”
“You haven’t missed anyone. It’s perfect. Stop worrying.”
She dried her hands on her apron. The stained white fabric covered her chest and long skirt. “Do you have something better to do? Did I interrupt your moping time?”
“I’m not moping.” My voice whined. Not a good sign.
“Resting, recuperating, moping, it’s all the same.” She hauled a kettle filled with water over to the glowing coals in the hearth.
“No it isn’t. A lot has happened—”
She pished at me. My own mother!
“Stop wallowing in the past. What’s done is done. Focus on the future. We only have one hundred and fifty-three days until the wedding! Then it’s only a matter of time for grandchildren and maybe you and Kade…?”
Yanking the chair out with a loud scrape, I plopped on it. I snatched the list from the pile and read names aloud as my mother continued to bustle about the kitchen. She had mentioned Kade almost every day since I’d arrived. Sixty-three days of missing him, dodging her questions and being drafted to help with preparations for an event two and a half seasons away. How could one woman be so irritating? For a second I wished for another family. A sensible one without all this…stuff, like the Bloodrose Clan, living in austere isolation.