“Do you know what they call me, Maximus?” she asked, tilting her head.

“No,” he admitted, and the confession seemed to cost him something.

She smiled down at him. “Python,” she whispered. “They call me Python.”

Confusion crossed his features. “Why would they—”

“Because I slowly consume my prey,” she explained, her voice almost gentle. “I cut off their life force without ever being noticed until it’s too late. This city is my prey. You are my prey.”

She could see his chest begin to rise rapidly, the vein in his neck begin to pulse frantically.

“A reckoning is coming for this city. Brought by my hand. But you will not be here to see it.”

“Elara, don’t do this. Please. We—”

“These will be my last words to you, Maximus Serel,” she said, cutting off his begging. “Mercy does exist in New Found Haven.”

She pressed the barrel of her gun to his head.

“Just not for you.”

Then, Elara pulled the trigger.

Acknowledgements

Forever wondering how this is my life. I’m so incredibly grateful that I get to keep writing and putting these worlds and characters into the universe. There are so many things I want to say, and so many people I need to thank for the unconditional support that has been given to me throughout this journey.

Erika. Thank you for our five-hour phone calls to help keep me on track, and all the moments you talked me out of my spirals. You are an amazing PA but an even better friend.

Shay. Thank you for believing in me and always being the first to read my rough drafts even when they are messy and scary.

Maddie.

My street team. I cannot tell you how amazing your support has been. You jumped on board with me testing the waters of a new genre and didn't even blink an eye. Thank you for riding with me no matter what.

My beta and alpha readers. Thank you for your honesty, words of encouragement and absolutely unhinged three a.m. commentary. You made this book better, and for that I love you.

My agent Angie. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I know I say it often but it never feels like enough. You saw something in me that I wasn’t sure was there, and have helped me build a solid foundation in myself and this industry. I hope you know you are stuck with me now.

To you, my readers. I am so grateful and proud of the community we’ve built. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance on Daggermouth. I hope it made you feel something. I hope in some small way you felt seen. Every single one of you is helping me accomplish my dreams day after day, and that amount of belief and love is overwhelming. You are so incredibly loved.

Last but never least. My love, my husband. You are my rock. Your love has inspired a thousand stories. I love you.

About The Author

H. M. Wolfe writes with her heart wide open, chasing the thrill of chaos and the sting of heartbreak on every page. Based in Central Florida, she shares her days with her husband and three loyal dogs—her writing partners and adventure crew through every twist of her literary journey.

Wolfe crafts stories where romance tangles with fantasy and unforgettable characters drive the action, inviting readers to disappear into worlds brimming with magic and meaning. She’s fiercely passionate about mental health advocacy and the messy, powerful work of self-discovery, believing deeply that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they love.

As you turn the final page of her books, Wolfe hopes you’ll find a new kind of strength—ready to take on the world and own your story like the warrior she knows you are.

Keep up with H. M. Wolfe's current and upcoming projects by

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