Sunday Snippet: A Rockin' Yule (a Holiday Spirit short)

What a wild week. We're back to almost winter temperatures with freeze warnings this weekend and the first part of the week. My cold is sorta kinda over, but the crazy weather probably won't help.

Had a pretty decent work week. I'm in flux on a number of projects but the work is moving steadily along. I'm happy to stay busy.

Pretty good viewing week also. I finished up a rewatch and have to pick a new show to watch on one of my streamers … and I have no idea what I want to choose.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and it was so fun to see a regular in one of the shows I watch do a guest turn in this episode. Can't wait to watch the finale this week.

Caught another behind the scenes episode of Foyle's War and enjoyed it. I have one or two more before starting the next season of the show.

Watched another episode of Poirot and loved the mystery. Hastings completely falling for the girl ended up being very interesting along with Poirot kind of lending a helping hand. Very cool.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Jack's new look is … okay? Enjoy them being in a new city, and I'm liking the vibe of the characters.

Elementary, as usual, didn't disappoint. Such an interesting case and having Sherlock go out on a limb for Shinwell was rather cool.

Finished up my Batman Beyond rewatch and, honestly, the show holds up. Not sure what I'll pick next, but it might be DC universe adjacent.

Watched another Star Trek: Lower Decks. Kind of fun to have a one-off character come back and not end up being an actual hero. I like the risky maneuver there.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Rockin' Yule, a holiday spirit short featuring a hellhound and a nymph.

Here's the miniblurb:

Saffron Sapienza is in trouble with her hellhound pack for being wild and overindulgent. She's looking for an escape in the hopes of letting her latest scandal die down. Gabriel Gabor has a big decision to make—become nobleman of the nymphs or give the job to his archrival, a man who tries to take everything Gabriel has. A holiday spirit, Jolly Jingleman, brings the duo together at a secluded bed and breakfast over Yule and works his magick to help the couple find their holiday cheer along with some direction for their future.

And a preview snippet…

Gabriel Gabor rubbed at his temple. "I don't know what else you think I can do here, Mason. The holiday season is in full swing, and everyone is distracted by upcoming events." Gabriel paced back and forth in front of the roaring fire in Mason Mulgrave's living room.

Gabriel made his appeal to the nymphs—they needed to integrate into the human realm or risk growing stagnant with their dwindling numbers. The fae glade members approached Gabriel to take over after Mason retired. The group wanted Gabe as their nobleman yet didn't want his advice or to follow his recommendation for a better future.

Mason steepled his fingers. "Tyson's not helping the situation. He's got a bunch of the group frothing at the mouth about tradition and staying in our own confines. Why mess with perfection, blah-blah-blah." He blew out a long, slow breath.

Gabriel snorted. "The stupid thing is, Tyson wanted to integrate not six months ago, but when you approached me to become nobleman—and most of the group backed me as your choice—Tyson backtracked and decided to throw his hat in to muddy up the waters." Which Gabriel should have expected.

Tyson Truman wanted whatever Gabriel had.

Mason sighed. "I should've been prepared for that possibility." He got up and added on the log to the fire—even though it burned hot and steady. "Now we have to have a vote, and it could go either way." He settled back in his wingback chair.

Gabriel voiced his nagging thought. "It'll go one way if I step aside." At this point, he might as well.

Mason's gaze snapped to Gabriel. "You're not serious."

Gabriel shrugged. "I think I am. Do you really want a decade or more of strife and turmoil? You know if I win the vote, Tyson will work behind the scenes to wreak havoc. If he wins the vote, we risk dying off and ending the nymph lineage." He held Mason's stare. "I honestly don't want to be around for either eventuality." Because losing the little they had left didn't appeal at all.

Mason frowned and got to his feet. "You'll think about sticking it out though, won't you?"

Gabriel rolled a shoulder. "I'll take a few days and let you know right after the Yule holiday."

Mason clapped him on the back. "I'll wish you a happy yule then—even though you've got a lot of thinking to do." He walked Gabe to the door.

Gabriel left Mason's small cottage and started the walk to his bungalow, tucked into a copse of trees, flanked by a rolling hillside. "Right. Happy Yule is something of an oxymoron this year."

Having so much fun with the holiday spirit shorts. I love writing the pairings and adding a dash of merriment with the holiday spirits.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rite of Passage (Warlock's Curse)

Bleh. I've been fighting a yucky cold all week and I'm feeling a little better but not quite 100 percent. I'd be happy if the coughing could be a wee bit less.

Weather has been steadily warming up. We've dipped back down a couple of times but thankfully it's been gradual without the wild forty-degree swings in twenty-four hours. Been getting a lot of rain, which is causing high water and some flooding. Combine that with ongoing construction and the onset of tree-trimming and getting anywhere is something of a challenge. It pays to leave early.

Another busy work week. Finished up another proofread, continued work on one, and started an assessment read through. Also finished up a read through on another project that keeps lingering in the shadows. Started a new proofread that's a lot of fun so far.

Had a decent viewing week even though I slept a lot because of the yuck. I made it all the way through my usual slate of shows and added an addition to the lineup.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery along with getting more Harry backstory. I think the next two episodes are a two-parter that makes the finale. Can't wait to watch.

Watched the first behind the scenes for Foyle's War. Kind of enjoyed seeing the process of how they do what they do to film the period specific series.

Finished up the first season of Return to Paradise. I have no idea when season two will be available on the streaming platform, but I'll look forward to it.

Caught another episode of Poirot and completely enjoyed poor Japp trying to manage on his own then having a harder time after accepting Poirot's invitation to stay with him. Fun to see Miss Lemon's sister.

Elementary ended up being very entertaining. The twisty start proved interesting and Joan's advice to Sherlock turned out to be great. I love where their relationship is at this point.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and had completely forgotten about this one. I think I have one more left before I'll need to find a new series to watch or rewatch.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed learning about Tendi's pirate past. Always fun to see characters from other Trek shows pop up in the episodes and Deep Space Nine counts as a character. Just saying.

I continued to use my Kanopy tickets to watch Fleetwood Mac: The Dance. This was such a great concert film, with quite a few surprises. Glad I got to watch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rite of Passage, book three of the Warlock's Curse series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nadia Iris and Falk Ridenour have one goal—to thwart her father's nefarious power grab. Even though they're on the same page, Nadia struggles for balance and Falk has to make some hard choices about their future.

And a preview snippet…

Falk almost laughed when Boris came charging up the lane leading to the mill. "The guy missed his calling … as a bona fide drama queen." He schooled his features when the other man got closer.

Boris sneered. "Who the hell do you think you are to summon me?" He planted his hands on his hips, his breath seething about between his teeth.

Falk stayed chill, only arching an eyebrow. He carefully watched Boris for weaknesses. The man's ego definitely counted as one. But his inflated sense of self wouldn't be enough. Falk needed to find a few more.

Boris went for the throat. "Do you really think you can best me in magick, young welp?" He rolled his eyes. "I have decades of experience on you. And I fight dirty."

Falk's mouth curved. "As proven by twisting your daughter into knots." He met Boris's gaze. "You know, it takes a special kind of asshole to dick a woman until she's pregnant, bind the kid by your blood, then fuck off for parts unknown." He lifted a shoulder. "I mean, kudos, I guess for putting together a long con…" He waited a beat. "But it's still a con." He hoped the stinging barb landed.

He wanted to put a few chinks in the man's armor.

Boris snarled. "It's not a con. It's fucking grandmaster chess." His jaw clenched. "I left nothing to chance. I literally rule the board."

Falk snorted. "No, you don't. You have a huge blind spot named Nadia, and she's a variable you couldn't possibly account for. Not one hundred percent." Falk absolutely believed that fact with his whole being.

Boris scoffed and waved a hand. "You're wrong. I've got her locked down tight. She can't hurt or stop me from seeing my plan through to victory." His lips curled in an evil grin.

Falk grunted. "I'm gonna enjoy proving you very wrong about that." A flash of insight flared in his mind.

Nadia would be arriving soon. She figured out what she needed to do.

Boris lifted his chin in challenge. "We'll certainly see if you can." He shook his arms and bounced on his toes.

Falk smile. "Yes, we will." He flexed his fingers and conjured two balls of flame. "Shall we begin…"

I love a good battle between good and evil. Falk is definitely on the side of good, but he's not afraid to be sneaky and underhanded when necessary.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rise of the Son

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy regular Sunday to those who don't. After three days of lovely temperatures, we're back to mid-forties and chilly. I'll take the cooler weather because the warm-up seemed to bring the ticks out. Pulled three of them off my spouse yesterday. That's usually a May through October problem.

Got to enjoy a wonderful Friday with my daughter at an art walk. She's a project manager for a county arts council and knows many of the artists. So much fun!

Had a busy work week. Finished up a copy edit and proofread for one of the publishers I edit for. Also finished a proofread for a memoir. Continued work on two other proofreads. I have a developmental edit to start this week and hopefully another copy edit.

Ended up with an okay viewing week. I got through most of the shows I watch. I ended up skipping two because I didn't feel well and couldn't concentrate on more than one thing at a time. I did get some cleaning and decluttering done when I needed a break from work projects.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and quite enjoyed the mystery. I love Alexa and Madison's friendship, especially when Madison pushes Alexa out of her comfort zone.

Caught another Foyle's War and ended the eighth season. Loved Sam's good news and kind of felt sorry for Miss Pierce. There are several behind the scenes episodes that I hope to watch this week.

Watched another Return to Paradise and I'm almost finished with the first season. Not sure when the second will be available to me, but I'll look forward to it.

Also enjoyed another episode of Poirot. A holiday episode with a truly distasteful antagonist that thankfully didn't last long. I loved Poirot coming to Japp's rescue once the singing started. If you know, you know.

Elementary ended up being very good. I'm kind of interested to see where Joan's story goes with Shin. Also enjoyed Sherlock's chess match with Shin.

I binge-watched some Brokenwood Mysteries. The new season starts this week and I'll dive into it as soon as I finish up My Life Is Murder.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise of the Son, a follow-up novella to Dawn of the Son.

Here's the miniblurb:

After surviving several trials and tribulations to find the Book of Pythia, Aleina and Alston—imbued with the essences of Apollo and Aurora—have to follow the scrolls to lead their people to a new home. Their journey isn't without danger and the map isn't easy to follow, but Aleina and Alston have the advantage of being on the same page and trusting each other to see their path to its end.

And a preview snippet…

Alston yawned and rested his head on the back of the sofa. "They're not making it easy on us, are they?" He referred to the gods and oracle that set them on this journey.

Aleina's lips quirked in a twist. "Nope. I'm gonna start on the next scroll. See if Pythia dropped any clues there." Leaning forward, she grabbed the text from the table.

Alston nodded and closed his eyes. He needed a small breather from reading the ancient prophecies. At least he and Laney figured out the translation. Now they could read through the material without constantly consulting a language guide.

"You can read the translations because I gave you the power to do so."

The voice echoed in his mind and could only be from one source.

Pythia.

"I guess we owe you our thanks. Would it be too much to ask for you to provide a map to get through the asteroid system?" He might as well go for broke.

Pythia responded. "I can't. But I can make it easier to find."

An image appeared in his mind. The table, cluttered with scrolls, zoomed inward and three words appeared on a page beneath several others.

Light the way.

Alston jerked awake. "Damn." He shook his head, trying to dislodge the unsettled feeling of receiving a message from beyond the veil.

Laney arched her brows. "It's a wild trip, isn't it?" She set the scroll aside and focused her attention on him.

Of course, she figured out exactly what happened while he'd drifted off for several moments.

Because she usually ended being on the receiving end of communications from the beyond.

Alston shuddered. "It's fucking creepy. But aside from feeling like I've been violated, pretty sure I got the assist we might need." He rifled through the pile on the table and found the one he wanted.

Laney scooted forward. "Light the way." She met his gaze. "Any clue what this means?"

He snorted. "Not yet. But it's a place to start." He eased back and held the parchment out so Laney could read it with him.

The passage described two vessels that would chart a route through a mire of obstacles using their power to light the way. The path wouldn't be completely clear, but the faith of the mappers would guide the fleet to safety on the other side. There would be a toll paid … but nothing indicated what the price would be.

Alston sighed. "Better than nothing. But this is gonna suck." He rolled the scroll up and put it aside for safekeeping.

Laney rubbed her chin in contemplative thought. "I have an idea of the how, but it's not fully formed." She turned toward him and moved to straddle his lap. "Think we'd better sleep on it … but first, I think we need to regroup and recharge a little." Her lips caught his in a fierce kiss.

Alston cupped her ass and toppled them sideways. "Now that's a plan I can get behind…"

Alston and Aleina have quite a journey ahead of them. I'm having a lot of fun writing it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

Ugh. So many small irritants combined to make the week rather challenging. Car problems, house problems, and too many things hitting at once. I'll get through it all, but I'm stressing out, which isn't fun.

The great news is we didn't lose power even with the wild back and forth temperatures. I have a feeling April won't be much better than March when it comes to stabilizing the weather patterns. If only the world could figure out what's causing all the bizarre weather. Yes, that's sarcasm. The world knows what the problem is.

Got a lot of work completed over the week. I have four main projects on my schedule and I'm plugging away at all of them. Finishing up two but have two more waiting in the wings. I also have a couple of backburner projects that I'll be dipping into again.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. Two of my projects involve some tedious cleanup and it's nice to have something on in the background to keep things interesting. I made it through most of my usual shows.

I started with Foyle's War and enjoyed the episode. Kind of sad to see his female counterpart moved to the sidelines again. Lovely to see Sam help her husband get elected as an MP.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise. I remembered most of this one and enjoyed seeing some familiar faces from other shows I've watched set in Australia.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Really fun to see a couple of very young costars in this one. Also thoroughly enjoyed the mystery.

Elementary had a great episode. I didn't quite make it all the way through because I got distracted, but I enjoyed it.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'm about two episodes from the end of the series and I need to decide what I'll be watching next. Maybe a Justice League series.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and very much enjoyed watching Boimler lose his mind. Very fun!

I also had a chance to use my library membership to watch a Stevie Nicks concert via the Kanopy app. I'm going to work hard to make sure I'm taking advantage of everything my local libraries offer. The concert was so good!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella where a couple battles it out in paranormal cage fight during finals week.

Here's the miniblurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive score settling in the apprentice's ring, when Vita Morj and Keb Pennyson are challenged to see who'd win in a magical bout. It may end up a draw, because neither opponent plans to give quarter.

And a preview snippet…

Keb had enough of sparring with his mom and dad.

He heaved a sigh and scooted away from the battle. "Vita, since my parents are being insufferable, why don't we have dinner in town?" He turned toward her spot at the table and blinked. "Where the hell did she go?" How did I miss her leaving?

Mathers rolled the dinner cart inside the room. "The young lady left … about ten minutes ago." He started serving the food with a bland expression.

Keb cursed and left the dining room. He grabbed his coat and checked for his keys. He had to catch up with Vita.

His mother darted after him. "Where do you think you're going?" Her voice rose to a shrill peak.

Keb didn't break stride before yanking the door open. "It's a long walk back to town and, since we're in the academy, we're still under restriction. She can't use a teleport to get home." He left both parents sputtering.

Shocked and surprised by the turn of events, he slid behind the wheel of his car and spun out exiting the drive.

He shook his head. "I can't believe she left." Shame washed over him. "First time a date has walked out on me." He kind of admired her for doing it.

He caught up with her halfway down the and rolled his window down. "You don't have to walk. I'll take you back." He slowed to a crawl.

She snorted and continued walking. "Not. A. Chance." She kept her gaze straight ahead, not even bothering to glance in his direction.

His eyes widened. "You're refusing to go with me? It's a long way back, and you're not dressed for a hike." A fissure of guilt twisted in his gut.

She paused and gave him a hard look. "No. Apparently, I dressed for your rebellion." She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "To be perfectly clear, I'm not here for that kind of bullshit. No one uses me and gets away with it." She blinked watery eyes, turned, and started walking again.

As far as scathing setdowns went, she unloaded with both barrels. She also kicked serious ass. Respect for her went up another notch.

He threw the car in park and hopped out, running to catch up with her. "Look, you're right. And I apologize." He grasped her shoulder.

Vita rolled her eyes. "Too little, too late, Keb." She started forward again but stopped and faced him. "Out of curiosity … how did you see this ending? After you fucked with your parents? We'd what? Leave together, have dinner somewhere else, and you'd offer some consolation sex?" Her voice caught and she swallowed hard.

He flushed because she'd literally called his planned evening.

She tsked. "That's really too bad. If you'd been honest and hadn't pretended you were interested in me, I might have enjoyed being part of your little show." Her lips twisted in a sad smile. "As for the rest of your planned evening … it's definitely your loss. Because I would've rocked your world." She shook her head. "You'll never know how much now." She met his gaze. "It's sad, too. I should've known better. I mean, what could someone like you possibly see in me?" She inhaled deeply. "But I really liked you, so I fell hook, line, and sinker." A

Keb reached out. "Shit. Let me make it up to you. I pulled a dick move, and you got hurt in the crossfire." He cupped her face with one hand, swiping his thumb over an errant teardrop.

Vita jerked away from him. "Your dick move is barely a blip on my radar, and I'll be fine. You have no idea how strong I've had to be my whole life." She arched her brows. "But you? You have to live with the consequences … which means you'll be on my bad side from now on." A dark shadow entered her gaze. "And that's not going to be fun for you." She took off, casting an invisibility cloak so he couldn't follow her.

Keb returned home with the sinking knowledge he'd underestimated Vita Morj in the worst possible way…

And with the absolute certainty he'd just blown something that could have been terrific.

I have so much love for this story. Vita has some scathing sass and Keb definitely lands on the wrong side of her, which makes this a lot of fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Reflections (a Through the Mirror Darkly novella)

Whew. It's been a long week. Can't say it's been terrible, more a constant state of busy. I did manage to take care of several personal life things that I've been putting off so that's a bonus. But I've also been scattered all over the place and that makes me bananapants.

Ohio is gearing up for another weather event where we have 84 degrees today for the high and by Monday, the high will be in the low forties. The barometer hates me right now. Also planning for power outages because when the temperature shifts that much in twenty-four to forty-eight hours and thunderstorms are thrown in, things tend to happen. Wind shears, lightning strikes, flash floods that take out trees. Yeah, definitely hope for the best but prep for the worst.

Work projects have been stacked up with more coming in. I'm very happy to be busy! I finished up a proofread of a terrific nonfiction book, got through a copy edit that ended up having some possibly big consistency concerns. Set up the start of a manuscript proofread to start this week and scheduled a read through of a manuscript that I'll be doing a developmental edit on. I have a few odds and ends that I'll be working on wherever I can also.

Did not get a lot of viewing done this week. Didn't have the bandwidth and needed to focus on work projects. Also ended up having a very productive writing week.

I did finish up Foyle's War and I enjoyed rewatching. I'd forgotten how reluctant Foyle was to join the security forces.

Also caught another episode of My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. I love Rueben letting himself get pulled into the capers.

Still need to finish Poirot from last week. I'll probably start over because I didn't get very far into the episode before I had to pause.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Reflections, a novella for the Through the Mirror Darkly universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

The ornate mirror in her grandmother's house creeps Everley Bonice out. When she arrives to settle her grandmother's estate, the mirror depicts erotic images of Everley with a man who seems familiar but one Everley can't place. When Vannes Sullivan shows up to deliver groceries to the house, Everley decides to discover the secrets of the mirror-scenes she keeps seeing, because Vannes is the man in the reflection.

And a preview snippet…

Everley pulled herself together. Okay, the guy from the mirror arriving on her doorstep had to mean something. But she couldn't just blurt out why she had such a strong reaction when she greeted him. She could just hear herself. Oh, hi. Don't mind me. I just watched the two of us have smokin' hot sex in a mirror.

Laughter bubbled up and out and Everley slapped her hand over her mouth. Get it together, Everley. Gah, he'd think she'd been touched by insanity if she shared that gem of information.

She opened the door when he came up the steps. "Thanks for bringing the groceries, you can sit them right there." She pointed to the spot next to the door.

He gave her an odd look but put the boxes down and set the bag beside them. "I'm Vannes Sullivan." He thrust his palm out. "I'm sorry for your loss."

She hesitated a moment before shaking his hand. "Thank you. I'll miss her." Yep, an electric charge surged up her arm when they clasped hands.

What the hell is going on?

Vannes blinked and glanced at his fingers, waggling them a little. Did he get the same jolt she had? Unnerved, Everley needed to get him out of the house. She needed to figure out why he appeared with her in the mirror.

"Uh, thanks again for bringing the groceries." Did that sound as lame as she thought it did?

He flashed a quick smile. "My pleasure. Our number is on Ernie's fridge if you need anything else. Don't hesitate to call." He started toward the door.

She worried her lower lip and pushed the door open. "Thanks, um, I won't."

He took the cue and left, heading for the van. He gave her another warm smile before pulling away from the house. Everley closed the door and put the groceries away on autopilot.

Her mind spun with confusion. She didn't do attraction—not anymore. She lived in a nice safe bubble—cocooned by her work and creative endeavors.

She shook her head. "I need to stay busy. I'm going to finally sort out those notes and journals. Maybe they'll explain that freakish mirror."

Because as much as she didn't want to know how it worked … she had to figure it out.

I love this story and how it's coming together. The concept is so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

What a week. Our weather went completely insane and we got a wild mix of rain and wind. We lost power on Friday afternoon and finally had it restored on Saturday after about eighteen hours. Thankfully, it didn't get super cold overnight.

Work projects are moving along. I finished up the memoir and have two new potential jobs. I'm still working on a proofread and have some final touches to put on a copy edit. I'm hoping to get to a developmental edit that I put on the back burner last month because it's a manuscript that will launch an amazing series.

Had a limited viewing week. I managed to get through a couple of my usual shows but didn't get through my whole slate. Too many things pulling my attention and focus.

Started with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. Always fun to see Will and the sibling relationship he has with Alexa. Per usual, Madison had some great scenes.

Caught most of an episode of Foyle's War. I'd forgotten he kind of got pulled into the spy scene. Really fun to see his interactions with Sam after her marriage. Kind of bummed they recast the guy who played her fiancé in the previous season.

Watched an episode of Return to Paradise and it's one I remembered. I love the quirky interactions Mackenzie has with everyone but I really, really love when she has to deal with her messy emotions. Watching her apologize to Glen almost physically hurt to observe. Very good moment between them.

Started an episode of Poirot but didn't get a chance to finish it before I crashed. I'll finish it up and start the round of shows again.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella that leads a couple into a dangerous situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

Psyche held the mental block against Errol, mainly to keep Marcus from gleaning too much from her.

She argued with the dark mage. "I want to learn everything now." She used a petulant tone.

Marcus waved his hand. "It's too soon. Your destiny will be fulfilled, but not yet." His voice brooked zero argument.

Psyche planted her hands on her hips. "My destiny is mine to decide." She hoped Errol caught the hint, because she wanted to lead Marcus into a trap. "I want my future to start now."

Marcus gave her a long, considering look. "In that case, since you know your own mind, the final step to embrace your new life and achieve your full potential is to kill your white knight. Once he's gone, your fate will be complete." His lips twisted in a sinister smile.

Psyche arched a brow. "And would the reverse be true?" She edged closer to Errol. "If I were to say..." She pressed the tip of her blade against her finger. "Decide to go in the opposite direction..." The end pierced her skin and a drop of blood beaded on the surface. "Will my destiny be complete." The savage look Marcus sent her confirmed her instinct.

Marcus snarled. "You don't want that. You want to own the dark arts and rule by my side." The words hissed from his mouth.

Psyche took a deep, calming breath. "You know, Marcus, I'm tired of being told what I want." She held her hand out and let the drop of blood drip from her finger. "So here's the deal." She held his gaze. "I get to decide who I am and what I'm going to do and—this is the important part…" She edged closer to the trapped Errol. "Who gets to be by my side." She crossed into the circle opened by her blood. "That person isn't you."

Marcus charged forward. "You don't know what you're saying!" He halted at the edge of the circle unable to cross over the line.

Clasping Errol's hand, she whispered, "Mystic portal." She squeezed his fingers.

Errol's head snapped up, and he spoke the incantation with her. Marcus roared his anger but couldn't stop the swirl of air or the vortex that pulled him into the ether. Psyche used her new knowledge to seal the dark mage into exile. The burst of light and dark power took a toll, and Errol caught her when she collapsed.

He swept a hand over her forehead. "Psyche? Hey, are you still with me?" Worry edged his tone.

Psyche opened her eyes. "I'm always with you, Errol. Let's go home." She accepted his help getting to her feet and put her arms around him when he spoke a teleport spell and landed them inside his cottage.

She still had to deal with her dad, but right now, she wanted a hot shower and Errol by her side. 

I'm very happy with how this story is coming together. Errol and Psyche are such a great couple.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

Whew. Long week filled with so many things going on. And, of course, weird weather. I also didn't sleep well at all … probably due to the upcoming time change. It's like my body and brain knows it's coming and tries to resist accordingly.

Ohio started the week with cold weather then warmed up to seventy degrees yesterday. We also had a lot of rain. Which gave us a lot of foggy mornings. Bleh.

Work projects are less backlogged than they were. I mostly finished up the developmental edit on the memoir, which feels good. A few small things left then it's off for a copy edit and proofread. This is such a great book! Also finished up a copy edit and started a new one. The new one is first person, which I'm not fond of. I also started a new proofreading project on a nonfiction book. I love being busy!

Had a decent viewing week. Made it through my usual slate of shows and did a little binge watching when I needed some background noise.

Started off with another episode of My Life Is Murder. Very fun to see a familiar face in the guest stars. One of the things I love about watching shows from New Zealand and Australia are the amazing actors who pop up frequently.

Ended up watching another Foyle's War episode instead of finishing the previous one. It's one of my favorites and finished out the season. Looking forward to starting a new season this week.

Caught another episode of Return to Paradise and enjoyed watching it. Mackenzie trying to find her footing while avoiding the landmines of being back home is kind of compelling. And the supporting cast is fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I like it when it's actually kind of easy to figure out the who then watch how the what and why happen.

Elementary had another great episode. I'm very interested in Joan's relationship with her former patient. My hope is he ends up not falling back into old and bad habits. The case also ended up being interesting with a twist or two I didn't expect.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I only partially remember. It's a two-part episode and I'm looking forward to the resolution.

Star Trek: Lower Decks had a great episode. It's always fun to see rivalries pop up and to learn interesting things about the other characters. The relaxation planet thread of the story ended up being very entertaining.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, a bit of a twist on the Red Riding Hood fairy tale.

Here's the miniblurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is ordered to protect Cass Warrison, a spell-casting earth sprite tasked with guarding the land from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Cass fought against the restraints tying him to the bed. "So, what's your plan here?" Two other women stood sentinel at the doorway leading to the living room.

Blondie, aka Siera Morganstern, gave him a sultry smile. "To mate with you, of course." She tilted her head toward the other two. "My sisters, Eva and Greta, are looking forward to the task." Her gaze went to the window. "And my other two sisters, Tilda and Vash will take whatever is left over." She calmly walked back and forth in front of the bed, very pleased with herself.

Cass wanted to keep her talking to hopefully spellcast his way to freedom. "So, the twisted ankle thing was a ploy?"

Siera smirked. "All the better to appeal to your innate sense of chivalry." Eva snorted and Siera silenced her with a frown.

Cass grunted. "And the flirty banter on the way to the cottage?" Whatever they used to bind him didn't respond to any of his spells.

Siera shrugged. "All the better to whet your appetite. We studied your preferences. You have a thing for blondes."

Yeah, not anymore.

Cass snorted. "And the invitation for lunch?" Maybe he could cast three objects and take them out that way.

Siera's lips curved. "All the better to lure you in, of course. And it worked."

Cass couldn't remember any of the items in the living room, so he couldn't call anything forth to knock the two sisters by the door out. "And your great-aunt?"

Siera sniffed. "Not my aunt. More a life given in the ultimate battle for survival." Her gaze went to Greta, who lifted her chin in acknowledgment of the deed.

Cass mourned the loss and accepted his responsibility in her death. "And here? Why this location?"

The she-wolf gave him another sultry smile. "What's better than a secluded cottage for a romantic tryst?" The upward tilt of her mouth quickly twisted into a grimace, and she clutched her shoulder.

Magan entered after winging the she-wolf with an arrow. Greta immediately crouched into a defensive stance, but Magan fired off another volley and struck her through the upper arm. Eva grabbed Greta and hauled her out of the room.

Magan crossed over and sliced the bonds restraining Cass. "What she means is out here no one will hear you scream like a girl when she and her bitchy sisters take as much of your semen as possible." She notched another arrow.

Cass cringed and quickly sat up. "What are you talking about?"

Magan nodded toward the dresser where five large glass canisters took up space. "You didn't think those were medicine dispensers, did you?"

Siera snarled. "You'll never get out of here alive. My sisters will tear you apart and feast on your bones." Getting to her feet, she winced in pain.

Magan only arched a brow. "I doubt that." She crossed to the window. "I already trapped two. Once you're dealt with, I'll get the other two."

Siera raged over the loss of her backup. "My pack will come for you."

Magan huffed out a breath. "Let them. Now that Mr. Clueless over there is finally in the know, they won't stand a chance." She turned, planted her feet, and squared her shoulders. "You do realize he's unmatched when it comes to spellcasting?"

Siera yanked the arrow out of her shoulder. "Why do you think we targeted him?" She staunched the flow of blood with Cass's discarded shirt.

Magan snorted. "Because you're stupid. He's pissed off now…" She slid her gaze toward him. "Or at least he should be—"

Cass broke in. "Oh, definitely pissed over here." And humiliated.

Magan rolled her eyes like she had an express line into his thoughts.

She ignored him and directed her attention back to Siera. "Yeah, so, your pack? Totally screwed."

Fear crept into Siera's voice. "Spare them. This was my plan. The others didn't condone the operation. Not even my sisters."

Cass had heard enough. "That's unfortunate for them." He whispered an incantation and spellcasted Siera back to where she came from.

Magan turned to face him. "Be right back. I'll be sending the others on their with a strong back-the-fuck-off message." She headed for the door but glared at him over her shoulder. "Do not leave this cottage."

Cass sank down on the edge of the bed, his gaze going to the glass canisters. "No fucking way." He directed a spell and shattered all of them.

I'm having so much fun with this twist on a classic fairy tale. Cass and Magan are a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye