Sunlight and Shadow

Cameron Dokey

Mina was born on the longest night of the darkest month of the year. By birth, by name, by nature, she belonged to the Dark, and to her mother, the Queen of the Night. But when Mina turns sixteen, her father, the Mage of the Day, takes her away from shadow and into sunlight.

In retaliation, Mina's mother lures a handsome prince into an irresistible agreement: If he brings Mina back to the Dark, he can claim her as his bride. Now Mina and the prince must endure formidable trials--of prophecy and secrets, of family and loyalty--before they can find true happiness together.

I cannot tell you what melody I played. I'm not so sure it was one you would recognize. Instead, it was as if the voice of the flute was the voice of the wide world itself and the beauting of my own heart all at once.

Playing was like running as hard and fast as I could, simply for the joy of it. Like starlight. Like moonlight. Like nothing I had ever experienced or could ever hope to describe. As if all the possibilities I could ever dream of, as well as countless others which had never even occurred to me, had suddenly become crystal clear and transformed into sound.

That was the music the flute made. And at the moment I ceased to play, I understood the truth: I had been playing the music of my heart.

Characters

 * Mina