Sunday Snippet: Kindred Spirits

Whew. What a week of television. The Walking Dead had another terrific episode. Thoroughly enjoyed the hijinks with Rick and Daryl. Something tells me it's the calm before the storm.

Well, the X-Files disappointed many fans, but I actually loved having it back for its limited run. That said, what a craptastic cliffhanger. Geez. But, my other shows amped up the goods. The Magicians is truly becoming a quick favorite. And Lost Girl will be so missed, which I say all the time. Then there's Bitten, another favorite I wish would continue onward. *sigh*

The Flash revealed something I totally didn't expect. Now I can't wait to see what happens. I'm totally loving the shared universe with characters popping up on other shows. More on that later. Agent Carter has one more episode, which is awesome! I thought last week was the finale. Sadly, I'm not holding much hope we'll get another season, but fingers are crossed anyway.

Arrow keeps blowing my mind. And it's in a great way. That said, I'm looking forward to Malcolm getting his comeuppance. If that doesn't happen, I'll be sorely disappointed. And, well, other things need to happen, too. Just saying.

Legends of Tomorrow, again, changed things up. I thought it was very cool to see future Star City, even in crazy disarray. Shades of things to come perhaps? Eh, who knows? Arrow may only get one more season after this one.

I watched the Blindspot marathon Saturday. Really like the show. Too bad it's on NBC, my most hated network ever. I pretty much refuse to watch anything on the channel. So, looks like I'll be watching Blindspot when it's on another channel or via Netflix or Amazon Prime.

And that's it for TV this week.

Tonight's post is from Kindred Spirits, a novella that got its start by the sages dropping a plot bomb in a dream. LOL

Here's the mini-blurb:

Merrit Rhodes accepts a teaching position at the Athena Academy of Magic and Semblance to earn her rites. Vaughn Gregorvich and Kirby Selwig are best friends and fellow instructors who fall hard for the newest addition to the campus. Sparks literally fly when the trio decides to test the power of three after a night of drinking a powerfully potent new cocktail called Elixir.

And the preview snippet…

Merrit Rhodes sat in silent contemplation. She hated interviews. With a passion.

The double doors to the dean's chambers opened and Merrit stood, waiting for the summons to enter. A tiny, wizened man motioned her forward with a wave of his hand. His small stature would probably fool many applicants into a false sense of security, but Merrit didn't happen to be one of them.

She paused at the edge of the desk and met his gaze. "Dean Hargrove, it's nice to meet you." She bowed her head in respectful deference.

Hargrove clapped his hands and chortled. "Merrit Rhodes. You may have graduated from the street school of hard spells and conjuring, but you're the first person to address me properly." He pushed his chair back and slid down, his head barely visible above the huge monstrosity of a desk when he made his way around.

Merrit took his outstretched palm when he offered it in greeting and shook firmly, unwilling to make a possible misstep by easing up on her grip. "It's nice to meet you, sir."

Hargrove smiled again and directed her to sit in one of the chairs facing the desk. He flicked his fingers and a small platform nudged out from under the other wingback and he stepped up to take a seat.

He folded his hands in his lap. "I'm inclined to accept you based solely on your greeting, but let's muddle through some of the traditional questions." Her file materialized on the table between the chairs, the folder opened and a feathered scribe hovered over the page.

Merrit bit back a grin. She liked Hargrove's flair. And the man didn't dwell on her less than stellar education and instead peppered her with questions about her parents' occupations. Her mother practiced as an oracle with an uncanny accuracy rate. Her dad made conjuring an art form. Literally. His work routinely landed in museums, galleries, and garnered private commissions. Sadly, her father's income amounted to practically nothing, his salary being tied up in trust accounts unattainable until his death.

Hence her lack of a quality formal education, which didn't appear to faze Dean Hargrove.

The little man flashed a knowing smile. "You're very intuitive, a trait shared with your mother." He scooted forward, his face aglow. "And your skill with manipulative magick is impressive, if uncontrolled." Tapping the file on the table, he met her gaze. "You've passed all the qualification exams, meaning as far as the board of mages is concerned you lack only one criterion to earn your full rites." He paused and tilted his head to one side.

Merrit nodded. "Monitored experience."

Hargrove sobered. "Yes. Your scores indicate an inherent ability, but your lack of control is a concern." He brought his hand up to rub his chin. "But I have a solution, if you're willing to consider something a little unorthodox." His gaze slid sideways toward her.

Merrit's lips twitched. "Well, sir, unorthodox is kind of my normal. What do you have in mind?" Hope soared and, for once, she didn't fight to contain the feeling.

The dean rubbed his hands together. "I'd like you to consider teaching a novice class for at least two semesters. You have the knowledge and ability to merit guiding students while they learn the simple building blocks we base all magick foundations on." He paused and watched her carefully.

Heart sinking a little, Merrit forged ahead. "As you're well aware of my financial situation, I'll be happy for the work." She stopped there, unwilling to ask for more.

Hargrove gave a barely perceptible nod. "While you're in residence teaching, I'm going to have you work with two of our premier adepts to learn control using your mind and body." He snapped his fingers and the double doors snicked open.

Merrit's eyes widened when two gorgeous men entered the room and she struggled to keep her mouth from dropping open. Tall, handsome, one dark, one light, both built by the gods to visually please the senses. And the dean wanted her to glean knowledge from them? Hell, yes.

She angled her head and met the dean's gaze. "Thank you."

His sly little smirk had her brain spinning in directions it shouldn't go, but Merrit wisely said nothing else.

Hargrove shuffled off the chair. "Welcome to Atherton's, Merrit. I think introductions are in order."

Merrit hit the jackpot with her tutors and she'll take full advantage of their presence.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kill Switch

Well… The Walking Dead returned with a killer episode. Holy zombies, so much happened. LOL I didn't know what to really expect and lowered my expectations but color me surprised by how incredible the episode ended up being. Although, why is no one talking about how Carol is pretty much responsible for wiping out a whole family? *grins* Not quite how it went down, of course, but something to ponder.

Forgot to mention The X-Files last week for my Monday night lineup. I, for one, have really been enjoying the six-episode run. Final ep airs tomorrow and I actually rather hope we'll see another six or eight episode arc in the future. Wouldn't mind seeing a few more familiar faces either.

The other Monday shows were suitably excellent. I'm staying interested in The Magicians and kind of love the various sides we're seeing. Also thrilled to see Lost Girl and Bitten. But I watch with sadness, knowing they're each in their final seasons.

Tuesday's The Flash ended up being terrific. I'm kind of amazed the earth two turned out so well. Looking forward to seeing more from that verse, if there is more. Also really want to see what the whole deal with Jay is. Agent Carter's final episode airs this week and the lead up to the finale turned out awesome. I really hope Peggy gets to punch Vernon in the face at least once. Twice would totally make the entire wait for a season three (if there is one) worth it.

Arrow continues to blow my mind. The whole tease at the beginning of the season with Oliver standing by a grave now has so many possibilities my brain hurts from thinking about them. LOL

Legends of Tomorrow keeps getting better and better. I'm thrilled with how the cast is being utilized and the way the teams are always mixed. Snart (or Snark as I like to call him) is a favorite and he keeps growing on me more and more.

Gotham and Agents of SHIELD return soon and I'm looking forward to both being back on my screen.

And, whew, that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Kill Switch, a novella originating from the prompt—beaten up, jealousy; the character(s) have the sudden and undeniable urge to let it out. Again,  a fun prompt I wanted to run with.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Karsen Hill and Theo Gordon live in a modern world full of magic and mayhem. Torn apart by their circumstances, they still share a powerful attraction and it will take a kill switch to keep their feelings at bay. When a bar of the same name opens, the duo can't resist meeting to explore their options.

And a preview snippet…

Theo stood before the fire, blazing in the hearth, his gaze focused on the flickering tendrils of orange and yellow. With his arms crossed over his chest, his shoulders taut with tension, he gave up trying to let the dancing flames bring some peace and warmth to his frozen heart.

A throat cleared. "You going out tonight?" Toric moved to stand next to Theo, fixing his gaze on the inferno in front of him instead of on the one standing less than a foot away.

Theo lifted a shoulder, the leather of his coat creaking with the motion. "Don't know yet." He wanted to escape, get away from his mother's prodding and talk of upcoming nuptials. "Depends." On whether she'd back off or not.

Toric nodded. "She figures she's found a loophole since you said you wouldn't marry until Teller left the mortal coil. But setting a date gives her something to plan for, talk about, and you know—"

Theo cut in. "Gloat and brag to anyone who'll listen." Bitter bile threatened to choke him.

His dad cocked his head in acknowledgment. "Well, yes. She wouldn't be who she is without sharing her grand illusions." Toric folded his arms around his middle.

Theo snorted. "More like grand delusions. Deandra barely tolerates my presence. If she shudders one more time when I walk into a room, I'm going to lose the tenuous thread I have on propriety and call her out." Why his mother thought he and Deandra would ever achieve wedded bliss confounded him.

Toric shook his head. "She means well, Theo. But she's single-minded and determined to get her way." He paused for several long moments. "She's in for a pretty big wake-up call."

Theo finally looked away from the flames and glanced in his dad's direction. "How so?" If things didn't go the way Meara Gordon wanted, she bulldozed her way through any obstacle.

 Toric met Theo's gaze. "Look, son, your grandpap isn't long for the world. Change is nigh. Your mother's machinations continue or you can tell her to kiss your ass and get over it."

Right. As if.

Theo narrowed his eyes. "What aren't you telling me?" There had to be a reason his dad would risk intervening and basically advising against Meara's fondest wish—Theo shackled to the darling Deandra.

Toric shook his head. "A lot. But I'm bound to silence." He glanced over Theo's shoulder and lowered his voice. "Your mother won't have much sway over your life once Teller's gone. Think about what you want for your future and act accordingly." Reaching out, he grasped Theo's shoulder then exited the room.

Theo turned back toward the fire and blinked several times, letting his dad's words sink in. He couldn't think clearly about life after his grandpap died. Not here. Heaving a sigh, he spun around and headed out of the study, crossing through the entry hall to the main doors. A ride through the night and a stop at Kill Switch might shake the cobwebs loose.

He had the door halfway open when his mother's voice cracked behind him. "Where do you think you're going?" The rifle-shot delivery had his teeth gritting and grinding.

He didn't spare her a glance. "Out. You can call my cell if anything happens with grandpap." Striding forward, he slammed the heavy oak shut, drowning out her sputtering anger.

Inhaling deeply, he cracked a grin. He walked to his bike and swung a leg over the frame before kick starting the engine. No doubt he'd pay later, but the price for freedom didn't always come cheap.

When he roared up the winding drive to the main road, he decided he could live with the toll.

Kind of a longish preview, but I'm happy with how this scene came together.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Kidnapped

Happy Valentine's Day and Singles Awareness Day to everyone! My husband and I don't do a big celebration, but we do try to make the day special in little ways. And it's been a truly rough week so we're appreciating the small moments of support.

What a terrific week for television! Monday is becoming one of my favorite nights with The Magicians and Lost Girl, and starting this week, Bitten. I watched the first episode and it rocked. So sad it's the final season of this show.

Tuesday is jammed up with The Flash and Agent Carter, both of which are terrific. Loved the journey to Earth 2 and seeing the counterparts. I'm very curious about who Zoom is, but I have a theory that probably won't shock anyone. LOL Agent Carter doesn't have long to finish up this storyline and I'm kind of excited to see where things go.

Wednesday is still my favorite and Arrow keeps dropping crazy twists into the storyline. I have so many potential theories of who's buried in the grave and who Oliver has to take out, it's not even funny. But I love it! Kudos to the showrunners for keeping me on my toes.

Legends of Tomorrow also makes me happy. I like how the group is coming together and starting to gel as a unit. And they're mixed up enough to keep things interesting. Almost every week a new grouping is featured and I'm totally down with that.

On Friday, I caught up with Teen Wolf and not a bad episode. Gotta say I'm rather thrilled the psycho doctor is no longer of this earth, meaning I won't be shocked if he makes another appearance somewhere down the road. I am going to be slightly disappointed if the beast turns out to be one of Theo's pack because there would have to be a huge bait and switch to make that plausible, in my opinion. I'm also caught up on Murdoch Mysteries, but still behind on X Company. *sigh* Seriously, the past week got completely crazy. LOL

And that's it for the random TV update. The Walking Dead premieres tonight and I'm hoping I fall right back into the show. J

Tonight's post is from Kidnapped, a novella that got started with a prompt requesting a story that had a French Revolution feel with a focus on a commoner and a noble. As usual, I'm creating my own spin by not setting the tale in France and giving it a magical flair. LOL

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jaina Wraith discovers Seb Morrison is a member of the nobility and she kidnaps him, fully intent on having him executed. When Seb reminds her how many times he's come to her aid, she has to decide whether to help him escape or leave him to a tragic fate.

And a preview snippet…

What do we need to do?

What a great question. Seb didn't need to do anything… yet. But she had a split-second decision to make. Revealing her preternatural talent would give him leverage he could use later. But under the circumstances, she had to take the risk.

Thundering footsteps sounded above them and Seb flattened against the wall. "Jaina. What should I do?" To his credit, he kept his tone low and calm.

She flicked her gaze toward him. "Nothing yet. The first part is up to me." She raised an arm and rotated her wrist. "Tenebris." The ancient power surged from within and the torches went dark.

Seb sucked in a harsh breath, but said nothing.

Jaina closed her eyes and focused inward, drawing upon her inner wellspring of magick. "Noctis visio." The uttered words gave her the ability to see through the inky blackness surrounding them.

They wouldn't have much time, but she could get them through the tunnel and out to the shoreline. From there… well, she hadn't thought that far ahead.

She reached out, grasping Seb's hand in hers. "Stick close and don't let go. Stay quiet." Creeping forward, she followed the illumination only she could see.

Seb, thankfully, remained silent, but his warm palm sent a tingle of awareness up her arm. Jaina didn't need the strong pull right now, or a trip down memory lane. But he exuded calm and she'd take all the serenity she could get right now.

Senses on high alert, Jaina resisted the urge to run. The noise would create echoes that could be followed. Once the tunnel blended into the maze of caves, they could hot foot it to the outside and head for the shore.

She'd misjudged Seb and the guilt weighed heavily. Had she really fallen so far? How could she allow her hatred to reign over her common sense? Because a golden childhood spent among the nobility couldn't strip away the persecution so many lived with on a daily basis.

The corridor curved to the right and Seb stumbled when Jaina made the adjustment. He squeezed her hand in apology and despite the cold trickle of apprehension fleeing gave her, she cracked a smile. She tightened her fingers around his for a moment then turned her attention back to guiding them closer to freedom.

The wooden floor finally gave way to rough stone and Jaina relaxed a little. The draw of power for continued vision fatigued her, but she pushed forward. Seb stuck close and must have sensed her weariness because he wrapped an arm around her, bolstering her flagging steps.

When they reached the soft dirt close to the exit of the cavern, Jaina finally broke the silence. "Thank you, Seb. We're close now." She caught a scent of salty air and the temperature warmed.

Seb tightened his grip on her shoulders. "We're going to need to talk, Jaina. About a lot of things." He didn't elaborate.

But he didn't need to. She had some serious explaining to do, which she didn't look forward to.

She caught sight of the cavern opening and released her hold on the magick. "Ordinarius visio." The dissipation drained her strength and she sagged against Seb.

They stumbled out of the cave and he propped her up against the rocky outcropping. She dragged in lungsful of air, buying some much needed time. But not much. Glancing up, she spied Seb, arms crossed over his chest and a determined glint in his blue irises.

Straightening, she slowly exhaled then met his gaze. "I don't know where to start."

Seb's lips twisted into a wry curve. "How about the day after you left the estate?" He reached out, his palm turned up.

Jaina hesitated a moment, but placed her hand in his. "Can it wait until we're across the channel? Swimming is going to be our best bet." And it would buy her a small reprieve, because Seb wouldn't like what she had to say.

He gave a terse nod and took charge, leading her down the scraggly path to the shoreline. Pausing at the edge of the beach, the inky expanse of sea stretched out before them. Seb tilted his head to one side, listening to the gentle lapping of the water.

He turned toward her, his fingers holding hers tightly. "You don't leave my sight. We go together or we don't go."

Jaina nodded. At this point, she had no other option. She'd sealed her fate when she freed Seb.

Both sides would now love to see her dangling from the end of a rope.

Jaina truly stepped in quagmire, but I'm having a ton of fun writing this one and trying to get the perfect blend of tension between the characters and the resistance movement they're supposed to be helping.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Juvenile Behavior

Well, the big super bowl game is on tonight and I’m watching a Star Trek Next Gen marathon instead. LOL Don't get me wrong, we still have all the food and trimmings, like WAY more than we need, but with several televisions in the house, the game can be merrily playing in the kitchen and living room while I hunker down in my writing cave and watch something totally different. If anything really exciting happens, the family will let me know. :D

So, next week The Walking Dead returns and I'm not sure if I'm super-excited or not. I think I am, but won't know until I see the new episode. And Bitten is coming soon, February 15 on Syfy. Definitely excited for more of that show.

My usual shows all had great episodes. I completely forgot to mention The Magicians in last week's post, but I'm seriously liking that show. And Lost Girl is in its final run of episodes. I've seen the way it ends and I'm definitely watching the last hurrah. I hope another show with fae-releated characters turns up sometime.

The Flash ended up surprising me, which I'm always thrilled to have happen. Arrow also threw in an interesting reveal and I'm speculating like mad now. Legends of Tomorrow mixed up the teams and I'm down with them doing that on a regular basis.

Agent Carter has such a great mix of humor and tension. I almost wish there could be a longer season, but I'm also kind of happy with the brevity, mainly because the writing stays pretty focused and doesn't dart off on too many tangents.

Last but not least, The X-Files had one of those instant classic episodes that I could watch over and over again. I can't wait to talk to my brother about it. Teen Wolf, again, feels rather choppy, but I've been thinking about that and have come to the conclusion it's supposed to feel that way, especially since the creepy doctors can warp time, or whatever it is they do. So yeah, I just needed to have that last little piece click into place. LOL

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Juvenile Behavior, a novella that started with a wild hair idea and has blossomed into an old family feud that needs to be settled by my main characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Freddie and Owen, top Adepts putting cadets through their paces at the Mage Academy, are very much in love, but refuse to act on their attraction. But when the Mage Principal has enough of their antics, he strips them of their rank and tenure and pushes them to act like grown-ups instead of juvenile delinquents.

And the preview snippet…

Orville Parker glared in his son's direction. Owen tried to muster up an appropriate response… but hell, he'd had too much fun to even try and deny the charges his father made. Cooling his heels in the maze with Freddie had been worth finishing off the bottle of Amberlane, even though the potent alcohol had been banned since the elder Parker's days at the Mage Academy. The stuff went down smooth but packed quite a punch, and sometimes the amber liquid induced hallucinations and could also trigger a dormant ability. Still, nothing his dad could say would change Owen's mind.

"You're both barred from classes."

Except that. Owen wouldn't stand to have something he'd achieved taken away because he'd actually gone and had fun for once. He opened his mouth to protest.

Freddie beat him to the punch. "Are you insane? You can't lose your two best instructors."

Ha, best argument yet. "Yeah, what she said." Owen held his dad's gaze. "Who else do you have on the roster that can teach new cadets how to master the gyroscope with their minds?" Exactly no one.

Orville shrugged. "We'll get by. You two aren't getting back into a study room until you've cleaned up your acts."

Freddie snorted. "What's to clean up? We have the highest percentage of cadets who make it through. No one else is even close."

Orville acknowledged her words with a brief nod. "True. But…" He paused. "When my top two Adepts are acting like recalcitrant teenagers, something must be done about it. And treating you like the age group in question seems a good place to start."

Owen didn't like the inference. "Since when does blowing off steam get lumped in with juvenile behavior?" Geez, his dad needed to relax a little.

The elder Parker lifted a brow. "Invisible shaving cream in the west corridor…" He held up a finger. "Levitating candelabras in the chapel." He added a second. "Exploding confetti balloons in the main bathing suite. Cheap parlor tricks are beneath Adepts at your level." His hand slammed down onto the heavy oak of the desk. "You're supposed to set the example. The cadets follow your lead. You're the grown-ups." He growled. "Act like it, dammit."

Owen didn't have an argument, except… "Look, Dad, no one got hurt. That should count for something."

Freddie chimed in again. "Damn straight. Do you have any idea how much skill it takes to pull off half the stuff we did without putting anyone in the healing chambers?"

Orville shot her a blistering look.

She lifted a shoulder. "Okay, stupid question. Of course, you do." She met his gaze. "What do you want from us here?"

Orville rose from the edge of the desk. "Sixty days probation where you two have to refrain from doing any kind of spell casting or conjuring." He held up a hand to stop any protests. "If you refuse, that's it. You lose all privileges and any tenure you've gained."

Freddie gasped. Owen didn't blame her, the punishment didn't quite seem to fit juvenile role his dad had cast them in. But… the man had a point, even if Owen hated to admit it.

He stood. "Fine. What do you suggest Freddie and I do to alleviate stress and tension?"

Orville lifted a brow. "You've got sixty days to figure it out. And I if I have to explain the myriad of methods you can use to bust boredom, you can't be my kid."

Freddie chuckled then laughed outright. Owen blinked and looked at his dad a little closer. The man couldn't be serious. Except… yes, he could.

Well, hell's bells. He'd be happy to oblige his old man.

Shrugging, Owen reached out and grabbed Freddie's hand, hauling her out of the chair. "Let's go, Freddie. I'm pretty sure we can figure out some grown up stuff to do."

Freddie smirked. "Sixty days, right? Yeah, plenty of time to get and be creative." Turning, she gave Orville a backhanded wave. "Just remember, you're the one who made this rather grand suggestion."

Oh, if only having fun would be that easy. LOL But Freddie and Owen have an uphill battle to wage.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye