Acknowledgements

It took me four years and three months to complete this project, and just like any endeavour that spans a long time, there are many people who deserve heaps of gratitude for helping me in this journey.

First and foremost, thanks to my loving and indulgent parents. Without their support for my hobby, I don't think I would have had a lifestyle that allowed me to develop my novel consistently after school and work. Thank you also to my long-time online friends, Maryetta and Lia, who have been cheerleaders of my writing since my fanfiction hey-days. They were there for every single fandom I dived in, and they were there when I spontaneously decided I would write something original. Thank you to all my early beta-readers, Maryetta and Lia again, Vanathy, and Bessie. Not only did their early input helped steer the story in the right direction, but their wonderful feedback encouraged me to keep honing my novel.

Thanks to my developmental editor, Katie Zhao, who pushed and challenged my character arcs — Anina is a much stronger character because of her. And last, but definitely not least, thank you to my copy editor, Stefanie Tran, as well as my final beta-reader, Myta Santiago, for administering the final polish that made this story as presentable as it is today.

And finally, thanks to you, dear reader. Whether you liked my story or not, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Have a great day!

The bulk of the information I used to develop the world of this novel comes from reading Baranggay by William Henry Scott. While much of the Dayungan Kingdom is inspired by precolonial Tagalog culture — and some Kapampangan — it is still a fictional analogue with its own languages, pantheon, set of myths and legends, and unique traditions, especially in relation to the presence of magic.

There are two Filipino myths that form the basis of this novel: the sea-serpents and the wicked wind. In the mythology of various ethnic groups in the Philippines, sea-serpents (called laho among the Tagalogs and bakunawa among the Visayans) are moon-eating creatures blamed for lunar eclipses. Meanwhile, the concept of the "wicked" wind is from an adage I grew up hearing from elders, "Don't make that face or the wicked wind will freeze your face in that expression forever." I took a few creative liberties in applying these two in Sano's world.

I understand the power of fiction in opening up new worlds to readers. There is joy in gaining knowledge, but also danger in perpetuating poor information. I think the best way to address the latter is to be transparent, and to encourage others to seek the correct information. If you are curious about precolonial Filipino culture, I would highly encourage you to read Baranggay.