Sunday Snippet: An Eternal Yule

I'm amazed we're at the end of April. I think because the weather has been so winter-like in Ohio, it doesn't feel like we should be four weeks away from summer vacation. Even yesterday, the chilly weather felt more like a warm winter day than spring. LOL

At least the ramp up to season-enders on television seems to be worth staying inside for. That said, I have to play catch-up. The lead up to the school musical took a lot of time this week along with several editing projects.

I'm almost finished with Blindspot's second season. I have one more DVD to watch. My only complaint would be how slippery Shepherd continues to be. I truly hope the takedown is worth watching and, you know, actually happens.

I'm catching some new to me episodes of Midsomer Murders and I'm excited to see what else Acorn TV has to offer. Also caught an episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD and enjoyed both. Nice to Casey move up the rank chain. Also great to have Antonio back at District 21.

I'm up to episode nine of Jessica Jones. So far, the second season has been a little slower than the first, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's given me time to really, really want to bitchslap Trish. I haven't decided how I feel about that yet. Usually it's Geri I want to smack really hard. LOL

Finally got to watch the musical episode of Riverdale. Watching Cheryl get her groove back? Excellent. I'm kind of on the fence about Hal and Alice. I had some investment in FP maybe finding some happy moments, you know? Archie and Fred being kind of on the same page made me happy, along with Betty and Veronica burying the hatchet. The ending though? Wow. Definitely some twisty shit.

I like Krypton. Seriously, the pacing is terrific so far with backstory being woven in with current plots moving forward. So far, so good. Also caught another episode of Ghost Squad and I'm a little on the fence with this one. The end of the episode threw me a little.

Endeavor is keeping my interest. I rather like seeing how Frost grew into his big shoes. Also started a subscription to BritBox and watched The Coroner. Really terrific first episode.

Today, I'm catching up on The Flash and hopefully Arrow. Also started Constantine: City of Demons. I'm gearing up for the character to be a regular on Legends next season.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from An Eternal Yule, a Holiday Spirit sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tortured vampire Haddon Hobbs can't seem to fight his bloodlust anymore and it's going to be the end of him if he can't. Psychic Tabitha Tarheel is tired of seeing the worst the world has to offer in her visions. Holiday spirit Joy Garland brings the two together over the Yule season to help them find renewed hope for the future.

And a preview snippet…

Joy Garland entered her spacious apartment and dumped half a dozen bags on the floor. "Whew! It's been years since I've actually had the time to shop for everyone on my list." As a holiday spirit, time had become relative, but she normally had some kind of job to do in the lead up to the festive season.

Dancing around in a circle, she closed the door, excited to get started on the wrapping and baking. She grabbed her bags and sashayed over to her kitchen counter, dropping two on the pristine surface. Doing a hip shake, she envisioned what it would look like in an hour.

She laughed. "Won't stay clean long. Honey cakes are messy sometimes." Crossing into the living room, she put the package with her wrapping paper on the carpeted floor and the remaining parcels on the oversized sofa. "Lots of pretty presents to organize and sort." Most of her friends and colleagues pulled what they needed from the human realm, but Joy missed doing normal human tasks sometimes.

Shopping in the quaint town she and her fellow spirits resided in gave her opportunities to catch up with folks she hadn't seen in a while. She'd managed to have a lovely lunch with two brand new spirits and enjoyed sharing her somewhat limited experience. Joy had been crossed over for less than a century.

Pulling items from one of her bags, she chuckled. "They need to chat with Hollis Goldstar if they really want to hear what being a spirit is like. The man's a grizzled veteran when it comes to what we do." Plus… Joy loved his somewhat snarky attitude and colorful commentary on his subjects.

Halfway through getting her purchases organized, a telltale buzz of energy pulsed under Joy's skin. She paused and, sure enough, a tinkling bell followed. Only taking a moment, she finished putting the gifts on the floor by the coffee table then made a beeline for her antique desk. Don't want the pulse to become a stinging buzz. A new assignment fluttered on the calendar blotter and Joy picked it up, reading through the pertinent details.

She glanced toward her living room. "Well, I might be shadow-wrapping the gifts, but I should still have time to make the honey cakes." She hoped.

Walking into the kitchen, she put the perishables away and made a cup of strong coffee. "I have a feeling this one isn't going to be a simple arranging for two people to meet in a crowded place situation." Entering the living room, she settled into a chair by the rustic hearth then called forth the files for Tabitha Tarheel and Haddon Hobbs.

Joy started with Tabitha. A psychic in the human realm, Tabitha owned a new-age shop filled with crystals and divination tools. Tabitha offered tarot readings and tended to hit spot on with her predictions for her clients. But… Tabitha also truly had the gift of second sight. She came from a long line of clairvoyants.

Joy shook her head. "Oh, sweetie, the things you've seen." Tabitha's ability usually showed her events as they occurred or just after the fact, which meant she could do little to prevent the terrible things she envisioned. "No wonder you're having trouble pushing your anger aside." Something Tabitha needed to do if she wanted to continue with her trade.

Picking up the next file, much thicker than Tabitha's, Joy read through Haddon Hobbs's life story. A true vampire, not one that had been turned, the man's storied past clashed with his current state of being. Haddon's existence remained neutral, but he'd been fighting bloodlust lately.

Joy frowned. "Not a good thing for a vampire." Especially one born like Haddon.

Then again, when a being lived for centuries and witnessed humanity's pros and cons on a daily basis, Haddon had probably lasted longer than most of his brethren before hitting the saturation level for stupidity. He'd come close to crossing a boundary and taking a life though.

Joy snuggled further into the chair. "Bloodlust is a tricky one to overcome. Once he gives in, he won't be able to just turn off the instinct. He'll start killing every time he feeds." And what a waste that would end up being.

Sipping her coffee, Joy considered her best course of action. "I need to get these two off the grid, maybe somewhere in the netherworld." She called up several locations, quickly discarding anything that had people. "Hmm… the Goodacre bed and breakfast. Secluded, charming, just right for Tabitha and Haddon." But they weren't exactly in a friendly state of mind. "Maybe if I throw in some bad weather, they'll be forced to rely on each other." The scenario had potential.

Getting up, she glanced at the pile of presents waiting to be wrapped. Later. She had a few hurdles to jump through if she wanted to conjure a blizzard in the netherworld.

I so enjoy writing the holiday spirit shorts. From coming up with cheeky names for the ghosts to deciding how to get the troubled couples together.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: An Enticing Yule

April 22, 2018

Whew. What a week. We had prom catastrophes averted and a halfway decent Saturday for the big event. My daughter's dress needed some alterations and my wonderful aunt and my next door neighbor came through like the awesome women they are and got the dress in prom-worthy shape. I'm biased, but my girl looked lovely.

Even with all the crazypants running around, I got a lot of television watched. Finished the second "season" of Vixen and enjoyed the episode. Finished up the first season and started the second of Blindspot. I like the introduction of Jane's family and having more of her background in the mix. Not sure about the addition of the NSA character, but I'll hold off on judgment. Definitely interested in who the new mole in the FBI is. I have a feeling I know who it'll end up being and not sure I like it. LOL

Got an episode of Gotham in and, seriously, season four is kicking so much ass. It's twisty and turny and I love how many levels of crazy there are. I truly hope there's another season of the insanity.

I still have so many mixed feeling about this season of The Flash. I want to love it, I really do, but I'm just not there. We'll see if how things play out in the finale. Maybe it'll have the elusive element I'm looking for to turn things around.

Missed both Black Lightning and Riverdale this week so I'll have to play catch up. I'm looking forward to both.

Arrow rocked. It's nice to get the full backstory of a villain. That said, Felicity and Diggle could use some of that love. We know a few of the things that shaped both characters and that's terrific, but each could use some additional rounding out. Just saying.

Started a new for me series called Ghost Squad. The premiere episode hooked me and I'm definitely interested in catching the full first series. Also started Endeavor and I like it. Nothing beats a good BBC crime drama.

Last but not least, I started Syfy's Krypton. Loved the first episode. Here's hoping the momentum continues and I fall in love with this series!

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from An Enticing Yule, a Holiday Spirit Short featuring a multi-shifter and a watcher.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A shifter and a watcher have to find their Yule cheer… with a little help from holiday spirit, Cinnamon Mistleberry. She's got her work cut out for her. Pandora Prewitt is a multi-shifter struggling to find her true form or risk banishment from her tribe. Dexter Diamond is a watcher, the group of preternatural humans who document the shifter chronicles, questioning his life's work. Cinnamon brings the duo together at Yule to show them the enticing value of love.

And a preview snippet…

Cinnamon Mistleberry appreciated the finer things in her spiritual existence. Crisp, bubbly champagne, a glorious soaking tub by a roaring fire, and a full week of downtime during the Yule holiday. The afterlife couldn't get much better.

Lifting her glass, she sipped the golden liquid. "Here's to a nice, quiet solstice." She wiggled her toes, sending ripples of scented water fluttering around her.

Her head dropped back to the curved edge of the porcelain and she twirled the fluted stem in her hand. Peace, love, harmony. Yuletide at its best.

She sat up with a sputter when a pulse of energy zipped along her nerve endings. "No… no, no, no." A tinkling bell sound followed. "Argh. I'm supposed to be off this week." Exiting the tub, she grabbed her robe and slipped it on over her shoulders, keeping her goblet in hand.

The trilling peals grew louder in intensity when Cinnamon strolled into her room.

A parchment shook and shimmered on her bedside table. "I'm coming, I'm coming. Geez." Heaving a sigh, Cinnamon snatched the document and skimmed over the last-minute assignment.

Setting her glass on the nightstand, she reread the information. Oh, no way. The powers that be had to be out of their minds. A shifter and a watcher? At the same time? Argh!

Picking up the fluted goblet, she drained the contents and shrugged. "Well, Cinn. You've been known to pull off the impossible before." But this?

Whew. Tasked with helping the duo find their true happiness, she'd have to think outside the norm.

Carrying her glass into her living area, Cinnamon settled onto the slipper chair by the hearth and tucked her legs under her thighs. She called forth the Book of Everything and started with the female, Pandora Prewitt. Twenty-seven. Biracial on her human side and a rare multi-shifter. Hard case and on the brink of banishment because she struggled to find her true form.

Cinnamon tsked. "Oh, dearie, it's so hard to pick one thing when variety is the spice of life." And sometimes dangerous.

Pandora had to find her inner beast, the one that would soothe her soul. If she didn't, she ran the risk of her personality fragmenting and completely losing her identity, which would put her pack in danger. However… if Pandora chose wrong, she'd constantly be at war with her spirit and live a life unfulfilled.

While she refilled her glass, several ideas swirled in Cinnamon's mind, but she shelved them to review her second subject's issue. Dexter Diamond, a senior watcher—the group that observed the shifters during their lifespan.

Cinnamon sipped more of the bubbly liquid. "Hmm… I see what you're doing here." Oh, those tricky powers that be.

At thirty, Dexter's third-generation status gave him a full slate of preternatural abilities. Heightened senses topped the list. Easy on the eyes, if one liked the rugby brawler type—and, oh, how Cinnamon did—Dexter stood out in the watcher community. But he'd had a bad run lately.

The group chronicled the lives of the shifters, keeping track of bloodlines and animal forms. They also kept tabs on the human-animal interactions. For all of Dexter's skill and ability, he'd been unable to stop a rogue shifter from taking lives. The man went on a shooting spree then ate his gun. Dexter arrived too late to halt the carnage.

And now he questioned his life's work.

Cinnamon shook her head. "We can't have that, sweetie. Sometimes a situation escalates out of control." And opened up a perfect opportunity for redemption.

She thumbed through the Book of Everything, skimming for a perfect location to send her two wounded charges. She discounted the penthouse in the heart of the city, hand-waved the perennial favorite river cruise, and nixed a guided tour of Paris.

Flipping through more pages, she sighed. "I need something secluded, with no outside influence." Somewhere in the netherworld.

Cinnamon scrolled to the needed section and finally settled on the Goodacre Bed and Breakfast. The charming manor house and pristine location suited the scenario she had in mind. Pandora and Dexter were positioned to help each other out. Dex needed a reminder of his purpose and Pandora required guidance. Who better than the other to show the way?

To be safe, Cinnamon glanced around, searching for a sign or signal of disapproval from the powers. Nothing came. Satisfied, she called forth another bottle of champagne.

Pouring a fresh glass, she rubbed her hands together. "Can't work on carefully crafted invitations without the proper motivation, can I?"

I'm excited to see how this one turns out. The sages are brimming with ideas!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Elemental Healing - A Lantern Jack Tale

Well, we had a semi-nice weekend. Today is rainy and chilly but Friday and most of Saturday was sunny and beautiful.

I got a lot of television watched this week. Dipped into CW Seed's Vixen and thoroughly enjoyed the first "season". I'm almost finished with Blindspot's first season and I'm looking forward to starting season two. Watched another episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD this week. Not sure how much I like seeing Hank defanged on Chicago PD but I'm in for the ride either way.

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an awesome season finale. I'm thrilled with where the characters ended up and having Constatine and Gary drop their little gift on the team made me laugh.

The Flash had a decent episode. I'm actually ready for the season to be over and Devoe to be defeated. Still need to catch up on Black Lightning. I'm hoping to find time this week to watch the episodes I've missed.

I did catch an episode of Riverdale and, yeah, talk about uncomfortable. No one is having an easy time of it right now. Definitely concerned about Cheryl. Her mother is a piece of work. Fred running for mayor… that's gonna be interesting. Just saying.

I got another episode of Gotham out of the way and things did not go where I thought they would. Sofia is a piece of work. I did love the overall theme of getting people back together. "Reunion" is a perfect title for the episode.

Arrow truly continues to amaze me. I'm saddened Oliver seems to be breaking ties with everyone so he can focus on the mission, but I'm also pretty interested in how the rest of the season plays out. I'll go out on a limb and say the councilman is on Diaz's payroll, too.

I'm almost finished with season two of Jessica Jones and I'm truly thrilled we'll have a season three. That said, I hope it's a little more cohesive. It's nice to have Jessica's backstory but I'd like to see her truly throw down with a villain. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Elemental Healing, a Lantern Jack Tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. Erica Ellis is a fire demon whose powers are going out of control. She needs intervention and an ancient ritual could save her from harming others. Perth Pettigrew is a shaman knight and knows the old rites. Too bad he's no longer using his gift. It's up to Lantern Jack to bring the two together for some elemental healing.

And a preview snippet…

Erica Ellis needed to find her mentor, Blenden Matchick.

When she couldn't find him in any of the haunts the fire demon liked to hit, she freaked out. A wave of energy buzzed under her skin and Erica couldn't get it under control.

She took a deep breath. "Please don't let me black out again." The surge receded, but just a bit.

Cutting through an alley, she ducked through the back entrance to Lucky's bar. A wave of dizziness hit her and she hugged the wall. Fear simmered in her mind.

"I won't black out. I won't." The cinderblock surface heated under her hands and she jerked away from the blocks. "Dammit, I've gotta find Blenden." The small release of her power cleared her vision enough for her to walk up to the scarred bar.

"What can I get ya, babe?" The bartender had beefy forearms and a big belly.

Erica shoved her hands in her pockets and ordered. "Whiskey. Strongest you've got." The alcohol would help numb her mind and dull her powers.

The bartender eyed her up and down. "You sure about that? There ain't much to ya."

She curled her fingers into her palms. "I'm sure." Dragging a ten out of her pocket, she slapped it on the bar.

I can't get angry. Gotta stay calm.

The bartender snorted. "Yeah, okay." Turning, he grabbed a bottle off the shelf and poured a shot, then slid it in front of her.

Erica picked the glass up and slugged the contents back. "Again. How many will the ten buy me?" The liquid burn landed in her stomach and she welcomed the almost giddy rush that followed.

The guy behind the counter held up four fingers.

Erica nodded. "Keep 'em coming." Sliding up onto a stool, she waited for her next round.

The bartender shook his head. "Okay. Hope you're not driving." He poured.

Erica grunted in response. None of his business if she planned to drive or not, but she gave him props for giving the illusion of concern.

The guy next to Erica shot her a sideways glance, but she stared ahead. Picking up the glass, she drained the second drink. She didn't want the man to start a conversation. Not enough alcohol yet… she couldn't guarantee what she'd do.

The whiskey settled in her gut, coursing through her system and the tempest in her mind receded again. The bartender poured her third drink.

She ran her finger around the rim of the glass. "Has Blenden Matchick been in here tonight?" Her heart beat a staccato rhythm of hope.

The bartender's eyebrows rose. "Why's a sweet thing like you looking for that old goat?" He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a speculative glance.

Erica willed her frustration down. "Has. He. Been. Here. Tonight?" Her voice growled the words.

The man held up his hands. "No. Been two weeks since old Matchstick has been in."

Matchstick. Blenden's dual-meaning nickname. A play on his last name and his ability as a fire demon.

Erica frowned, the hope dying in her chest. "Thanks."

Two weeks. Damn. The night her powers had gone batshit and nearly burned the old warehouse they used for training down.

The last time anyone had seen her mentor.

She drank the rest of the booze in silence, trying to think of any other place she could look for Blenden. Nothing came to her and the whiskey finally did the trick of dulling her senses. She should be able to make it back to her small apartment without incident.

She hoped.

Signaling the bartender, she nodded toward the remaining whiskey. "Can I get the rest of that bottle? To take home." Digging a twenty out of her pocket, she placed it on the counter, thankfully without singe marks.

The guy handed the liquor over after capping the bottle. He swiped the money and tucked it into his cash drawer. Erica slid off the stool, only slightly unsteady, and started for the front of the bar.

A hand landed on her shoulder. "Hold up." A slight squeeze stopped her progress.

She angled her head around, ready to blast the other patron with a verbal bitchslap. The tattoo on his hand distracted her. Sun, moon, and stars were depicted on a coat of arms inked in the fleshy space between his thumb and forefinger. She'd something like it before… but where?

Her gaze met his. Dark brown with flecks of amber held steady, conveying no sinister intent.

The man nodded toward the bartender. "He owes you change. There's only ten bucks worth of whiskey in that bottle." He removed his palm from her shoulder.

Erica blinked, the experience of loss too strong to ignore. And she kept trying to place why the tattoo seemed so familiar.

The bartender gave the man a nasty look. "What're you stickin' your nose in for?" He planted his hands on his hips.

The guy's brown eyes flared with contempt. "Cheating people tends to bring bad shit to your door." His gruff voice carried a hint of a threat.

The bartender smirked. "Been in business for over twenty years. Think I'm doing okay." He hand-waved the warning.

The patron's lips twisted in a wry curve. "Dusmek." A bottle from the top shelf crashed to the floor.

The bartender's eyes went wide and he shuffled to one side. "Bah! Should've known. An 'other'. You're one of them netherworlders, aren't ya?" He turned and snatched the twenty out of his cash drawer then handed it to Erica. "Take the damned bottle and get out." He glared at the other patron. "Both of you." Reaching behind a partition, he grabbed a broom and started cleaning up.

The man finished his drink in a quick gulp and got up. Erica's brain caught up with the moment. Netherworlder. That's where I've seen the tattoo. Erica quickly followed the guy out the door, her brain spinning with possibilities.

Once outside, the guy made a left and Erica trotted to catch up. "Hey. Dude, wait a minute." He didn't stop but she fell into step beside him. "Uh, thanks for that back there." At a loss, she didn't know how to approach asking him about the ink on his hand.

The guy nodded and quickened his pace, pulling ahead of her again.

A little hopeless, Erica called out. "You're a knight, right?" Maybe he could help her find Blenden. "A shaman? I could really—"

He stopped, turned, and came back. "Keep your voice down. It doesn't matter what I am, I can't help you." He bit out the last sentence.

Erica barely kept a grip on her frustration. "You just did. Why stop now?" He could at least hear her out.

The guy shook his head. "Look, even if I wanted to—and I don't—it's forbidden. Shaman knights don't offer aid or comfort to demons." The words spat from his mouth. "Your best bet is to forget you even saw me." He whirled away and jogged across the street.

Kind of like he couldn't get away from her fast enough.

Erica gripped the whiskey bottle and cradled it close to her chest. "Yeah, thanks for nothing, asshole."

I love writing Lantern Jack tales. This one is especially fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dawn of the Son

Ugh. It's been decades since I've had snow in April and we got two days of it last week. LOL

Anyway, television this week had a great run. Legends of Tomorrow continues to make me happy. Actually titling an episode about a guest star is brilliant. Seriously.

I missed Black Lightning's new episode but plan to catch up with everything with a binge watch in the near future. Also need to get caught up on Riverdale, but I have watched two of my saved episodes. Gotta say I'm so interested in Alice's past and who Chic's dad is. Considering she drove me insane last season, I like this newfound curiosity. Also loving the whole Blossom family drama. Seriously, Riverdale is hitting on all cylinders with me right now.

Arrow's episode ended up being better than I hoped. It's probably not a bad thing to have Oliver's leadership tested and questioned. It's not often I get to see a character actually have to progress through a moment of growth. That said, I hover on the fence with Laurel. I know what I'd like to see happen but I won't hold my breath.

Got another episode of Gotham in and rather liked having Bruce call Alfred. With so much going on, I'm always surprised how well all the plot threads mesh together.

On the other hand, Jessica Jones feels so disjointed sometimes. Not saying it's a bad thing… the overall theme of season two sort of begs for the disconnect. All in all, I'm happy with how things are playing out, with maybe the exception of Trish. My hope is season three will serve as a redemption platform for the character. If not, well… yeah.

Watched an episode of the current season of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I'm working my way through to catching up on these. Also watched more of Blindspot. I'm up to the point of new episodes and literally cheered out loud when Jonah Fisher got his comeuppance. I loathed his character. I also wonder if anyone else kept hoping Kurt Weller would go Damien Scott on Fisher's ass? No? Just me? Okay. I can live with that. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dawn of the Son, a novella that started with a writing community prompt that the gods decree your main characters need each other to keep the universe in balance. One has to come back from beyond to make that happen.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Apollo and Aurora aren't supposed to get together, but the Universe has other ideas. When everything starts to go sideways, two mortals personify the ancient deities and balance is restored.

And a preview snippet…

Aleina didn't understand how she could be watching everything unfold. The conversation between Alston and Frank made her smile.

"Damn right I'd haunt you."

But what the hell happened? Why did Alston blame himself? Why couldn't she remember?

As far as out of body experiences went… hers sucked huge ones.

"Maybe it's because you don't know the reason yet."

Aleina would've leaped out of her skin if she'd been corporeal. She sought the voice speaking and discovered it came from, no way, the god, Apollo. He materialized from the mists and held out his hand. Stunned almost stupid, Aleina grasped his fingers and found herself standing on Mount Olympus.

She stared out over the vast range, her brain spinning. "Did I die?" How else would she explain being here?

A woman emerged from the cloudy atmosphere. "Does this look like the elysian fields?" A small of her lips took the sting out of the question.

Aleina lifted a shoulder. "As I've never been, I wouldn't know." Two could play the game of sass.

Pythia stepped fully away from the clouds. "You jest, Aleina. You know the difference between Olympus and the underworld." She nodded toward the veil of mist. "Come, we have much to discuss."

When Aleina hesitated, Apollo placed a hand at the small of her back. "There's nothing unsafe. You need to listen and decide." He guided her through the heavy fog-like shroud and led her into a simple chamber filled with scrolls, empty parchments, and writing tools.

Aleina soaked in the quiet atmosphere, drinking in the peaceful surroundings.

Pythia opened the discussion. "Aleina, humanity's last hope is you. You and Alston." She unrolled a large scroll and spread it out on an altar.

Aleina shook her head. "If we're humanity's last hope, you've got a big problem."

Apollo moved to stand at her side. "Listen to the oracle. You're currently hovering in a place between life and death. Pythia doesn't have a lot of time to explain." He pointed to the scroll. "Your name is written, along with Alston's. Your role is clear."

Aleina threw out a hand. "What role?" She blew out a breath. "Never mind. What am I supposed to do?"

Pythia explained. "Let me imbue you with Aurora's non-mortal traits. The dawn and the sun have to come together for humanity to survive. Apollo and Aurora have a sibling bond, but it's not strong enough for the work ahead." She paused and glanced in Apollo's direction. "Depth of love is necessary, the strongest tie known to god or man."

Apollo gave a terse nod. "It's the only way." He folded his arms over his expansive chest.

Aleina considered the underlying vibes between the two. "What's the catch here?" There definitely had to be something for the strange tension pinging between them.

Apollo's lips thinned to a flat line. "You have to convince Alston to carry my traits."

Aleina snorted. "Humanity is screwed then. Alston doesn't believe in the gods. Never has." They might as well ask her to get him to think day and night switched places.

The sound of a heart monitor flatlining drew their attention. Pythia swiped her hand over a blank parchment and the image of Aleina in her hospital bed appeared on the page. The craziness of watching the doctors call a code on her surpassed only by the vision of Alston refusing to leave the room and yelling for her to stay with him. The urge to go pulled hard at her, almost a compulsion.

Her gaze flew to Pythia. "What's happening to me?" Her surroundings went fuzzy and a buoyancy filled her.

Pythia laid a hand on Aleina's forearm. "His call is strong. He's willing you to return."

Apollo reached out to grasp her shoulder, his touch negating the urgent pull to leave. "Use Alston's plea. He'll come around if you do."

The foregone conclusion being she'd allow Pythia to imbue Aleina with Aurora's essence. Of course Apollo assumed Aleina would fall in with their plan. Then again, how could she not?

But… "I'm not sure I can. I won't abuse his faith and trust in me that way." Had they not done enough of that with each other?

Apollo's grip gently tightened. "You won't be. Because of both, he'll help you save humanity."

Aleina nodded. "Fine. How does this work?" She met Pythia's gaze.

The oracle held up two vials. "You drink the green to carry Aurora's properties. Then have Alston ingest the blue." She placed the bottles in Aleina's hand.

Aleina uncorked the green and drained the contents. "How will I know—"

Apollo cut her off. "There's no time. Find the Book of Pythia. It will be your guide."

The chamber swirled and faded, Aleina had a moment of fright before she became aware of shouted orders, the whirr and beeps of monitors, and Alston's voice pleading for her to stay with him…

This one is interesting and I'm having fun writing the characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dangerous Elements (A Lantern Jack Tale)

Hello, April. Nothing says spring like a very chilly Easter. According to the weather, snow might be in Ohio's forecast. Yay.

No worries, though. Cold weather makes for great television viewing. And this week didn't disappoint.

A great episode of Legends. Getting some information about Ava was kind of great. And Gary is awesome. I love that guy. I'm even kind of down with Damien being pretty funny for such a warped and twisted villain.

After griping about The Flash in my last post, I have to admit to thoroughly enjoying this week's episode. Nice to see Jessie back and also have a hint about a possible new Flash from another earth. Also great to have the team close to figuring out how the pocket 'verses work.

I'm still behind on Riverdale, but I did catch up with an episode. I like the interesting twist of having Clifford's brother added to the mix. But, yeah, Cheryl's not going to be in a good place. Someone needs to buy that girl a friend.

Arrow had a kick-ass episode. Giving Thea a dynamic out with Roy and Nyssa made me very happy. I'm not sure I'll like the John / Oliver direction, but I trust the writers to make it work. Having Curtis lament not having a good bantering partner also made the show.

Got a few episodes of Gotham in. For now, I'm trusting the new version of Ivy is a good thing. Having three different actresses play the role kind of makes me wary. We'll see if it's a plus as I get more episodes in. I loved the twists with Riddler / Ed and the direction Alfred and Butch's storylines are going in.

Finished up season five of Chicago Fire and got a start on six. Still loving it! Also started Blindspot on DVD. I'd already watched the first few episodes, but I'm glad to revisit them to get a refresher. Finished up season eleven of Murdoch Mysteries and, wow, even without a cliffhanger to end on, there's a buttload of tension to start season twelve. Gotta say I'm on the fence about the manipulations of Miss Hart. We'll see if that ends up being a good thing or not.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dangerous Elements, a Lantern Jack novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. The long-standing animosity between shifters and the human council comes to a dangerous head. Dahlia Derringer is next in line to rule the council and she's stepping into the role because a shifter almost took her father's life. Otto Orpheus leads the shifters and he's furious a rogue fox acted against his orders. Samhain is nigh and the shifters need to replenish their aura… if Otto can get Dahlia's permission to do so.

And a preview snippet…

Lantrien Jacquard, also known as Lantern Jack, hated his existence as a former king cursed to live his life as a carved jack-o-lantern. After centuries of being confined to the orange gourd, he finally had the opportunity to make amends. His success with the wizards and sorcerers led to a positive outcome between the werewolves and their human keepers, those who used to hunt the majestic race. Next came solving the long-standing mistrust between the witches and the warlocks. With each wrong Jack made right, he got one step closer to breaking the curse and freedom.

He didn't want corporeal form. He needed to find his other half, his banshee queen, and join her in eternal afterlife.

His next project might be the end of him. The chaos he'd started between the shifters and their human guardians definitely not his proudest moment.

"I went a step too far with my nefarious plan." Indeed, his reach had unintended consequences. "And now the situation is coming to a head and I have to intervene." If he didn't, the shifters would be unfairly condemned to suffer the loss of their animal spirits.

Jack had the unpleasant ability to relive the past misdeed, the very moment that started the downward spiral when the guardians became a human council dictating when the shifters could commune on sacred land. At the root of Jack's handiwork? Love. Forbidden desire, but one that would have united the guardians and the shifters for eternity. Deeply immersed in grief, Jack lashed out when a guardian, Deidra Derringer, accepted the proposal from Orwell Orpheus a jaguar shifter. Jack worked his magic and turned Orwell feral. During the mating ceremony, he claimed Deidra with his bite.

Another shifter would have withstood the puncture. "Even from a feral cat." But the deep, abiding love between the shifter and the guardian couldn't overcome the latent properties of the jaguar in its wildest and purest form

Deidra Derringer didn't last more than an hour after her wedding. The human council formed within twenty-four hours and the sacred lands were closed to all shifters.

"The damage was done." Jack didn't flinch from his transgression. "But the council proved taking control and limiting access was possible." They opened the borders on the solstices and equinoxes, allowing the shifters to rejuvenate their spirits four times a year.

"It's not enough. It was never enough."

Now… after decades of restriction, the group pushed its new leader, Otto Orpheus, hard for change. He wanted to negotiate a treaty, but he'd have his work cut out.

Jack's tendrils created an unforeseen problem. "Dahlia Derringer isn't going to want to help him."

And Jack needed to be on hand before she severed ties, once and for all, with the shifters.

Jack definitely knew how to make a mess of things. He's also become adept at fixing them, especially when he's getting close to his redemption.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye