THE NIGHTINGALE BEFORE is a haunting Hallowmoon Academy prequel about Elowen Ashsong, young Chaim, the secret history of the Hymn of Ascension, and the night that changed Hallowmoon forever.Elowen Ashsong was Hallowmoon's Nightingale, and she was also Chaim's mother.Elowen Ashsong has spent years preparing to perform the Hymn of Ascension, the ancient song that renews the Great Veil and protects the human realm from the broken world beyond it.She trusts Hallowmoon.She trusts the Choir.She even trusts Archchancellor Vermillion.Until she discovers that the Veil is far weaker than the official readings claim.Someone has been lying.When Elowen discovers that the Great Veil is dangerously weaker than the Choir admits, she must choose between refusing the Hymn of Ascension—or climbing the Spire knowing she may never return.Her eleven-year-old son, Chaim, begs her to stay.Instead, Elowen gives him four notes and one promise:If I get lost, play this.The Hymn saves the Veil.Elowen disappears.And nineteen years later, Chaim is still waiting for an answer.