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

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. We're always low-key. We head to my dad's, eat, converse for a while then head home to nap in a food coma. We definitely had a good time.

The weather is crazy weird again, which is actually kind of typical for the end of November. It's usually a little colder and the question of whether it'll snow or not. Now it's more like up and down temperatures that go back and forth to drive anyone with sinus issues to the pharmacy to stock up on meds.

I finished up the episode of Ted Lasso I started and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm iffy on Jamie's redemption but hopeful it'll continue and stick. I honestly hated that character so much last season.

I also spent the week watching a large chunk of Batman: The Animated Series as mentioned in last week's post. I started with episode seventeen of season one and continued through episode thirty. I'll be watching more this week with a plan to finish out November with my memorial to Kevin.

One of the things I love most about revisiting this series is finding overlooked gems in the rewatch. There were a couple of episodes I'd completely forgotten about and it's nice to see them again.

That's pretty much 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 mini-blurb:

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…

Nadia fought the tears threatening to come. "Just this once, I actually want someone to tell me what to do." Why couldn't Falk do this one little thing?

The liquid she'd held back leaked from the corners of her eyes. How the hell did Falk think he could help with what needed to be done? Boris had to be stopped, but if she couldn't take him down … how could she halt his plans?

Movement from the doorway drew her attention and Sebastian entered the room.

He stopped beside the fire and glanced around. "Where's Mr. Wonderful?" The sneering tone matched the look on his face.

Nadia quickly wiped her cheeks and faced Sebastian. "Not here. Go find someone else to irritate." She couldn't deal with the annoyance of pointed barbs right now.

Sebastian narrowed his gaze. "You've been crying." He grasped her bicep. "You never cry. What did I miss?" He nudged her toward a wingback chair and made her sit.

The one person on the planet—aside from Boris—she didn't want making decisions for her, yet Sebastian happened to be the only one stepping up. Go figure.

She snorted. "Oh, you missed a great argument with Falk. The one time I want him to put his foot down and tell me what to do and he walks away." Her fingers curled into her palms.

Sebastian huffed out a breath. "And exactly where did Mr. Paragon wander off to?" He poked at the wood in the fireplace then settled in the chair next to hers.

Nadia waved a hand. "Who the hell knows? I'm trying to figure out how to manage Boris since he's pretty much stymied every option I have to deal with him and Falk decides to be cryptic by saying I know what needs to be done and he'd help me out." She met Sebastian's gaze. "By leaving me high and dry? How does that help?"

Sebastian's demeanor visibly changed. He went from slouching in the chair to sitting straight up. His usual practiced bland features sharpened and his blank stare snapped to life.

He leaned forward. "Geez, Nadia. Did you wake up on the stupid side of the bed today?" His hands pressed on his thighs. "You can't kill Boris because his blood runs through your veins and he hexed you to keep you from spouting off about him. Did he do the same to Falk?"

Her mouth dropped open. "Damn. No he didn't. And you think—" She couldn't say the rest—because it meant Falk planned to do something very, very dangerous.

Sebastian clicked his tongue against his teeth. "It doesn't matter what I think. What does your knight in shining armor think and do?"

Falk would engage with Boris and make every effort to keep him in a battle of magickal will until one of them perished. She should've gone after him when he left.

Nadia got up and paced back and forth. "Shit. Shit, shit, shit." She stopped and whirled to face Sebastian. "Where? Where would they meet? And when? Dammit, why would Falk take this on?"

Sebastian smirked. "The why is plain for anyone to see. He's loyal to anyone he loves." He got up and went to gaze out at the grounds. "The where? Someplace out of the way to minimize damage. When? That's a bit trickier. My guess would be early, like the wee hours of the morning. He'd want to test Boris's mettle and learn any weaknesses and dawn or soon after is the safest time."

Nadia shook her head. Sebastian showing an understanding of tactics and planning? When did that happen?

She set the thought aside and focused on the where. "An out of the way place…" The location hit her almost immediately. "The mill. It's not part of the village proper and the walls are thick enough to withstand a magickal battle." Her shoulders slumped. "Doesn't do me a damned bit of good though. I won't be able to help."

Sebastian swung his gaze her way. "What do you mean? Of course you can. You need to go and make your choice known."

Nadia flung her arm out. "How? My asshole father made it impossible for me to speak against him in a way that would clarify what I want."

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Then don't speak, Nads. You don't have to verbalize what's in your heart. It's there for anyone with half a brain to see." He tsked. "And Boris might be a maniacal egomaniac with tunnel vision but he's also got two eyeballs that won't be able to deny what's in front of him."

She still had doubts. "Okay, great. What about the blood tie? You know he'll pull that thread and try to use it." And he'd wield it against Falk if he could.

Sebastian gently reminded. "Boris's blood isn't the only DNA you have, Nadia. Manchen blood bonds you two, yes, but you also have Iris blood coursing through your veins." His brows furrowed. "Did you forget that?"

She blinked. "Damn. Actually, I pretty much did." Maybe she did get up on the stupid side of the bed today.

Everything became very clear in her mind and she envisioned exactly what needed to happen.

She went and threw her arms around him. "I love you, Sebastian." Whether he knew it or not, he'd picked a side, too.

His eyes widened in surprise. "You do?"

She laughed. "Yes, like the brother I never had or even wanted." Easing away from him, she held his gaze. "But I'm glad to have now."

Her unspoken message registered.

He gave a nod. "That's it then, isn't it? Our fate sealed and all that."

She lifted her chin. "Your fate is right where you left it. Your choice is whether to meet it head-on or continue hiding away from it." Starting for the door, she angled her head around. "But you don't have to decide today. I'd like you to stick around for a bit … if you're up for it."

Sebastian tilted his head to one side. "Is that a challenge?"

She cracked a smile. "Yeah, if you choose to accept it." She didn't wait for a reply … she had a showdown to prepare for.

I have so much love for this story. Nadia and Falk are rock solid even when they don't agree and Sebastian finally proves he's got more going on than being a pawn. This is such a fun group of characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rise of the Son

Whew. November is almost over and I'm not sure where the month went. Crazy weather continues. It warms up then plunges into the cold depths. We've had a dusting of snow twice. I don't mind the cold, but I like it better when it gets chilly and stays that way. The back and forth makes me cranky.

I did finish up one of my work projects and have a brief break on the second one. I thought I'd get some things accomplished around the house but I ended up having two new works projects land in my inbox. Definitely not complaining but I think one of my new goals will be trying to create better balance.

I, again, didn't get a lot of anything watched this week. I started an episode of Ted Lasso but put it on hold when I got the new projects.

I plan to view as many episodes of Batman: The Animated Series as a memorial to Kevin Conroy, as I can. I can honestly say, Kevin is my Batman. He's the first voice actor I ever looked up online because I loved his work in the animated series so much.

One bit of great news is I'm three-quarters of the way done with my holiday shopping. I might even start getting the gifts wrapped and bagged. Then it's off to gather stocking-stuffers.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise of the Son, the second book in a yet-unnamed series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Images crashed through Aleina Foyle's mind, huge rocks swirled slowly around her blocking her path no matter where she turned. Pounding sounds drew her attention and she feared the boulders were tightening the circle, ready to crush her under their weight. She tried to run but her feet were tangled in something unseen and she started to fall—

"Laney! Wake up. Someone's knocking on the hatch."

Aleina's eyes snapped open and she found herself snuggled up close to her nearest and dearest, Alston Saddington. "It'll be Frank. He's got news." She sat up, shaking the imagery of her dream away.

Alston narrowed his eyes, but got up and undogged the hatch. "Frank. What brings you at this unholy hour?" He swung his gaze toward Aleina. "Laney said you've got news."

Frank Bollen ducked inside their quarters and quickly dogged the hatch again. "She's not wrong. We've got a potential minefield brewing. Literally." He propped his hip on the edge of their small sofa.

Alston ran a hand through his hair and settled back on the bunk. "Political or otherwise?" He yawned and reached for a bottle of liquid caffeine.

Aleina took the container and nodded for Alston to grab another. "Otherwise with potential to become political. Is that right, Frank?" Her dream played some kind of role and she almost had a clear picture.

Frank shook his head. "Pretty much." He grabbed their hand-held monitor and pulled up a screen. "Long-range scans show a huge block of debris that's just out of scope. We don't know what it is, but it's directly in our path to the next signpost." He widened the view and handed the device to Alston.

Aleina took a quick look and a vision flashed in her mind. "Asteroid field. Too big to jump, too wide to go around, and too dense for a clear path through." She met Alston's gaze. "We're also not going to be able to go over or under it." Not if they wanted to conserve the fuel they had.

Frank huffed out a breath. "Please tell me there's a solution."

Alston didn't hesitate. "We go through." He held up a hand when Frank started to protest. "There isn't a clear path, I know. But it's the only choice."

Aleina gave a nod. "We'll have to find a way to navigate a safe path for all the ships." No easy task with a fleet of a hundred-plus crafts in various sizes.

Frank arched his brows. "How do you propose to do that?"

Alston rolled a shoulder. "We consult the Book of Pythia and hope we can figure it out." He got up and went to retrieve the scrolls. "Give us some time and we'll check in with you before the end of the day."

Frank frowned. "Do I brief anyone yet?"

Aleina lifted her chin. "Only the bare minimum. Keep it to our small circle for now."

Frank gave a nod and exited their quarters.

Aleina heaved a sigh. The group that helped retrieve the book could be trusted not to sound the alarm. The one thing they didn't need … a stampede of terrified captains banging on the door.

They needed time to formulate a plan and pull off a major miracle.

I'm on quite the journey with this series. I love the characters and mixing a bit of sci-fi in with the mystical elements is something I enjoy so much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

We've had the most insane weather this week. Three days in the high sixties and low seventies then a thirty degree drop on Friday with rain, rain, rain, followed by another dip in temperature and snow in an area not far from where I live. I predict a lot of people will end up with upper respiratory issues in the near future.

Had a very busy week with work projects. The two I've been working on are both wrapping up and we're down to the final tweaks and polishing. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and I'm looking forward to a small break to get some additional things accomplished around the house.

I didn't watch much of anything this week, mainly because I needed the quiet focus again. I did get most of the way through Resisting Roots and I started Enola Holmes 2. I have so much love for this movie!

I also got an episode of Star Trek: Discovery in. I'm thrilled everyone is back together and I love the changing dynamic of the characters. Looking forward to seeing more of this season.

I'll hopefully be back to a partially normal viewing schedule in the next week. I also found a streaming service that has a classic television network I've been missing for the past three or so years. I'll be giving that a whirl soon.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella where the characters work out some differences in a cage match with a magickal-skills battle.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Within five minutes of being seated at the dining table, Vita pulled out all the manners her grandmother tried to teach her.

She endured questions and sour looks from Keb's parents. Where are you from? Who are your parents? How did you meet our son?

She got the immediate vibe Keb made a habit out of bringing girls his parents would hate to dinner.

She discovered the truth of that thought a moment later.

Keb's mother, Gia, rudely questioned her son. "Why are you always bringing girls who grow up on the wrong side of town to our home?"

Keb rolled a shoulder but didn't deny his habit of bringing girls his parents wouldn't like to the house.

After several more snide comments from Gia about how Vita looked—vintage—and the inappropriate choice of dinner companion, she sighed, putting on a show of major disappointment.

Keb shot back. "I do this so you know I don't plan to settle for anyone that would get your seal of approval. Nor will I be getting married anytime soon."

Gia waved her hand. "That's all well and good, but girls like Vita don't belong here." Her nose went straight up in the air.

Keb's dad, Norse, added his take. "Yes, Gia. But girls like Vita know the drill. Always willing to keep things smooth and easy and not kick up a big fuss." He went back to spooning soup between his lips.

Girls like Vita.

Norse had definitely defined the exact expectation Keb had for her … a little too late.

Gia rolled her eyes. "Of course, girls like Vita are easy. They're brought up to be accommodating in all ways, especially when they grow up on the wrong side of town." She bared her teeth in Vita's direction.

Vita, with as much grace as she could muster, decided to put all of them in their place. Gia and Norse for being horrible shit-hosts. And Keb for instigating the entire debacle, knowing full well how his parents would react. All without cluing Vita in.

Holding back her anger, hurt, and the betrayal of what could have been, she set aside her napkin. "I might be from the wrong side of town but at least I've always remembered the lessons I learned from my grandmother about manners and common decency. You all could use a refresher course."

A long moment of silence followed Vita's statement then the room erupted into chaos. Keb's parents directed their displeasure to their son, who fired back with angry words about being tired of their bullshit. They spewed venom-filled accusations and insults at each other.

Vita got up and escaped the room. She found the butler, Mathers, hovering next to the heavy oak doors with the next course of food. His eyes darted between her and the shouting family members.

She calmly lifted her chin. "My apologies, Mathers, but I think I'll need my coat. Things didn't quite go as I'm sure they were planned." Her stomach rumbled at the scent of whatever lurked under the dome-covered plates.

Mathers gave her a look of sharp approval. "I'll get that for you right away, miss. Won't take more than a moment." He grasped her elbow and escorted her to the front door and retrieved her jacket, helping her put it on.

She gave him a tremulous smile. "Thank you. Please tell whoever cooked the meal that it smells wonderful." Another growl sounded in her midsection.

Mathers held up a finger and dashed to the kitchen, returning with a carton of food. "Compliments of the cook." He handed the food over. "Shall I call you a cab?"

Barely keeping it together, Vita shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but no, thank you." His kind gesture with the meal had tears pricking behind her eyelids.

He opened the door and held it for her. "Have a pleasant evening, miss."

Vita nodded and left the house. She waited until she made it past the gate before letting the tears flow. Being treated with respect by the butler had been the highlight of the evening and the crushing disappointment of her stupidity weighed heavily on her shoulders.

"Why did I think for one moment Keb Pennyson actually wanted anything to do with me?"

I love, love, love how this story is coming together. There's more to Vita than where she grew up and eventually Keb and his snooty parents will discover how much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Reflections (Through a Mirror Darkly)

November is off with a bang. We've had way higher than normal temperatures this past week. It's throwing me off kilter to have seventy-five degree weather right now. The trees are bare but it's like summer outside. Weird.

I had another busy week with work projects. I also got my new washing machine and got caught up on laundry. Last but not least, I think I have about half my holiday shopping done. I'm trying hard to be ahead of things this year.

I didn't get a lot of viewing completed this week. I've been on a kick where I need quiet time to get things done. I did watch a couple of things…

Caught the premiere episode of season two of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I love how they've kicked the season off. This is such a fun show.

Also watched an episode of Peak Practice and ended up enjoying it a lot. I like it when they have characters who've been on previously. Adds a bit of realism.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. I think I'm going to catch up on a couple of movies this upcoming week. Stay tuned.

Tonight's post is from Reflections, a novella in the Through a Mirror Darkly brand I hope to get established soon.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Vannes Sullivan didn't know why he stood outside Ernestine's house. "I can't be sure anyone stayed after the funeral." The berg's gossip mill suggested Ernie's granddaughter inherited the old manor.

Vannes had gone to the graveside service—compelled to attend and maybe get a glimpse of Everley Bonice, the woman Ernie spoke of so frequently. He managed to catch a brief, momentary glance of Everley but didn't get a good look. Dark-haired and curvy were the two things he remembered. Oddly, he hoped she had stuck around and he wouldn't be greeted by one of Ernie's silver spanglers—the ever-shrinking circle of her friends.

He knocked then stepped back and waited a moment. Everley opened the door and blinked then gasped. A bit of an odd reaction.

He lifted his chin. "Everley? I'm with Wellman's grocery. Your grandmother had a standing order—" He broke off. "Whoa, hey, are you all right?"

She'd gone pale and swayed a little.

He grasped her elbow. "Everley? You are Ernie's granddaughter, aren't you?" He'd been certain until this very moment.

She blinked again and nodded. "Y-yes. I'm sorry. You said you're with Wellman's?" She dragged in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

He smiled. "Yeah. I heard you might be staying for a while and since Ernie already paid for the groceries, I thought I'd bring them by." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Is it okay if I bring them up?"

She glanced out at the van and bobbed her head. "Uh, sure. That's fine." Her hand went to her head, swiping the hair from her face.

He turned and started down the steps. "Great. Be right back." He kept her in his line of sight while he retrieved the items.

She looked like a much younger version of Ernestine, which meant beautiful. Ernie turned heads even at the age of seventy-eight. What a strange introduction, though. He'd swear Everley had seen a ghost or something. He shrugged the weird vibe off and grabbed the two boxes of staples and the bag of produce.

This story is so much fun. I'm hoping to have more mirror-based tales in the future to create a full anthology!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye