Well, I will be damned. It's taken a little - perhaps a "lottle", would be more fitting a word - longer than I had anticipated, but finally it's finished! Infernal Adjudication has finally reached its conclusion, and boy has it been a nightmare. An enjoyable nightmare. But a nightmare nonetheless.

At this point, my silly little story about silly little demons has progressed into something much, much grander, and to that I say thank God for the artistic process.

But you're not here to read about my ramblings, no. You're here because you were kind enough to read this nonsense all the way through. So, let us be getting on with the thanks, shall we?

My wife Erin, ever by my side and eternally interested in whatever I put in front of her, no matter what it is. Story concepts, scrapped chapters, character ideas; she's vetted them all, and for that I will always be grateful.

My friend Sean, as trustworthy a proofreader as I could find. He may be coarse, but he's always been honest in his criticism, and that is more valuable than gold dust I find.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The real-life Rowdy Boys, for their support over the years. I promise I haven't forgotten about you; life just gets in the way.

Mr. McKeever, for remaining a seeping, infected thorn in my side.

The talented E, for their insightful comments and engaging conversation that kept me sane through many's a late-night writing session.

The old guard on the Wattpad forums, now lost to the mists of time.

My cat Violence. She's done nothing but inconvenience me, but I love her nonetheless.

And my late cat Scraps. He was beautiful in his flawed glory, and I shall miss him dearly.

This book was a little heavier than the last one, I know, and I'm afraid it's only going to get heavier. I'll admit that I miss the lighter-hearted scenes from Infernal Academia, but hey; that's just life, isn't it? But as the cat put so tactfully, things must get worse before they can get better. Or something to that effect. I'm not done with Cobalt. Not by a long shot.

But as ever, I have one last person to thank; you, for reading through this whole mess. I am eternally thankful for your support - your insight and your criticism - and I hope to see you in the concluding chapter in Cobalt's saga. I cherish every commendation, and I appreciate every comment.

So.

One last question, same as last time.

Who was your favourite?

Don't worry; it won't influence how I treat them in the future.

Much.

Until Infernal Apotheosis, then.

Ta,

Tom Withers.