The Night of Lanterns and the Fest of the 1st Moon — Heather Ann Montford

Fifteen years before fate would bring them together, two very different girls from two very different worlds prepare for their favorite winter holidays.In the elven country of Kaenlune, five-year-old Nyree is finally old enough to join her big Sisters at the Night of Lanterns. A night of launching wishes into the night sky on the backs of stars, Nyree does not know what she wants to wish for. Until a moment of cruelty gives her an idea.Across the sea, in the human country of Froiye, seventeen-year-old Princess Ever awaits the Fest of the 1st Moon with less joy and anticipation than usual. A situation beyond her control threatens to darken not only her holiday but her entire life. Her brother tells her things will not be so bad, but Ever finds it hard to believe. Told in their own voices, each woman will recount feelings of hope and anticipation, anger and hatred, beauty and ugliness, and finding their own light, even in the darkest of situations.