I wrote "The End".

Two days ago, I wrote “The End” on the final installment of my series. I needed some time to recover before I could write anything about it. Luna and the City of Shadows has 49 chapters and 131,000 words in its first draft, and it ends like this:

THE END

(Is this the ending you wanted? If not, turn the page.)

Yes, there is one more chapter—the 50th. This is an unofficial ending to Luna’s story. It is for those who don’t always expect a "happily ever after." WARNING: Do not turn the page if you are not ready for it. Personal suggestion: DON’T.

When I read, I often find that books lack depth. Stories feel the same: the same romances, the same tropes, predictable plots. It is rare for a book to give me a "wow" effect, and I crave that. I have always wanted more. So, I thought: What if I write something like that? What if it’s good? I believe I’ve written the story I’ve been longing for. It is the most beautiful and devastating love story I have ever read. The title of the first book, Before the Light, is finally explained, but that unofficial chapter will change the perspective of the entire trilogy. I debated whether to add it, but I’ve decided to leave the choice to my readers. They will choose their own ending, and I hope they choose wisely.

My goal is to make people feel. I want a story that will shatter their hearts and give them the biggest book hangover of their lives. I want them to feel every ounce of it—to the point where they might even put it down because it’s just too much.

My favorite part is the last four chapters. I replay them in my mind at night before I fall asleep, and they are my first thought when I wake up. These books don't just tell a story; they are a diary that was never meant to be witnessed. It starts when Luna is only 18 and ends when she is 32 (though those numbers don't quite capture the span of it). So much happened in that time, and I got so attached to my characters that I just can’t let go.

Yesterday, I went for a walk with my best friend. While walking the streets of NYC, I was constantly looking around as if I might see Luna, Lucas, Zane, or Anna. It feels so real it scares me. All of my characters were inspired by people I know. For example, Anna was inspired by my best friend, Mia; she has the same raven hair, and just last week, she got her RN license, too. I’ve known her for almost eight years, and she has always been there for me. We’ve never had an argument. She is the kind of person who, if I jump, she jumps. I love her dearly.

When I created Zane, the first image that came to mind was reddish hair and freckles. I couldn't understand why, as most male leads follow the same template: dark wavy hair, strong jaw, etc. Then, after finishing the first book, I realized that when I was nine years old, I had my first crush; he had red hair and freckles. We played together at my grandma’s house and laughed like I never have since. Sadly, at age 13, a disease took him. My little world was crushed. It was my first experience with loss. My subconscious played a trick on me, and now, that little red-haired boy will live forever in my trilogy.

Lucas, on the other hand, was always meant to be the antagonist—a morally grey character who teetered on the edge without ever quite crossing the line. Did Luna have a chance to change him? She did, but she didn’t want to because she was always tied to Zane. That choice brought out the worst in Lucas. In the final installment, Luna will pay for the monster she created.

I don't think those who start the first book realize the magnitude of this story. It doesn’t seem like a psychological thriller at first. I sometimes worry it won’t reach many people, but those who read those very last pages will realize so much more than they expected. This story will root itself deep in the reader’s heart and never let go.

Next week, I start my second draft. I’m not sure I’m ready to relive it all over again. Wish me luck.