The Encanto's Daughter

1

I knew who they were immediately. More importantly, I know what they were. Encantos. Also called fairies, but in my father's language: encantos or engkantos. Magical creatures hidden from the human realm. There were many types-diwatas were female forest and mountain spirits and human in appearance; dwendes were akin to dwarves. These were mostly munduntugs-hunters.

One of them stepped forward. Dark hair curled underneath his pointy ears. "We have very little time to waste," he said, his voice a melodious whisper. "Your father, the king, is dead. You're in grave danger. We can protect you, but you must come with us."

"Right now?" was all I managed to say. My mind was spinning. My father is dead, I'm in danger, I have to go with them. No, I needed to talk to my mother first. This was why we had been running all my life. To keep me safe from my father's world. And now his world had come out of the darkness and found me.

"There's no time," insisted another. Two of them stepped toward me.

The first repeated himself. "Come with us. Now."

"But my mother . . ." I began. I couldn't go without her. She needed to know where I was, what had happened.

One of them took my arm. "You must," the creature declared. "The others will be here soon." The cloak moved aside when she reached out to me, revealing an iridescent wing folded at her back. She was from the flying battalion, then. They had sent the best hunters to fetch me.

"All right," I said slowly. "But what about . . ."

"Your mother will be informed." She looked anxiously at the others.

The one who seemed to be in charge spoke again. "Of course. Now follow . . ."

Before he could finish, a giant gust of air blew in, like a storm coming right through the building. We all shielded our eyes but were otherwise frozen in place, stunned by the swirling wind.

The female hunter yanked on my arm and began pulling me away. She shouted to the others: "Run!"

Just as we began to move, I felt her

Melissa de la Cruz is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Publishers Weekly internationally bestselling author of many critically acclaimed books for readers of all ages, including the Blue Bloods series, the Queen's Secret duet, Disney's Descendants novels, and the Summer on East End series. Her books have sold over eight million copies, and the Witches of East End series became an hour-long television drama on the Lifetime network. Visit her at melissa-delacruz.com

Praise for The Encanto's Daughter

"Family betrayal, court politics, magic, mythology, and romance blend into an irresistible tale that will sweep readers off their feet." Booklist

"This entertaining tale by de la Cruz...teems with adventure, romance, and magic and prominently features Filipino culture." Publishers Weekly

"A promising, culturally rich, Filipino-infused fantasy series opener."  Kirkus Reviews

Ella Enchanted meets Vampire Academy...de la Cruz s ability to deliver a diasporic reckoning story enveloped in a princess ascension story is in a class by itself. Asia Pacific Arts

A YA romantasy brimming with Philippine mythology and political drama, adding Melissa de la Cruz s The Encanto s Daughter to your TBR is a no-brainer! The Honey Pop

"Fans of The Princess Diaries and The Inheritance Games will find enjoyable moments in The Encanto s Daughter. Written as the first of a duo, I need the next book for closure!" Chicago Book Review