Sometimes the only way forward is through fire. The only way to stay true to yourself is to change. Sometimes that can change the world.

Read by Lanna Joffrey and Tatiana Grey, our grand finale comes from Amal El-Mohtar and Merc Fenn Wolfmoor. A poem of survival from Amal and a story of revolution's dawning from Merc. Resistance for the sake of love. Theirs are the words we truly need to hear, now more than ever.

"A Tale of Ash in Seven Birds" by Amal El-Mohtar, Read by Lanna Joffrey

Amal El-Mohtar is an award-winning author and critic. She's the science fiction and fantasy columnist for the New York Times Book Review and the author, with Max Gladstone, of This Is How You Lose the Time War. She lives in Ottawa.

Lanna Joffrey is an actor, spoken-word performer and writer working in the United States and United Kingdom based in London. She has earned a New York Fringe, IRNE and Ovation Award in Performance. And her verbatim play of women’s war stories, "Valiant" has traveled the U.K. and U.S. to critical acclaim. lannajoffrey.com

"Brightening Star, Ascending Dawn" by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor, Read by Tatiana Grey

Merc Fenn Wolfmoor is a queer non-binary fiction author who lives in Minnesota, USA, with two adorable cats. Merc has had over 40 short stories published so far, many of which you can read for free via their website: mercfennwolfmoor.com.

Tatiana Grey is a critically acclaimed actress of stage, screen, and the audio booth. She has been nominated for dozens of fancy awards but hasn’t won a single damned thing. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. See more about Tatiana at www.tatianagrey.com