Sunday Snippet: Picture Perfect

Welcome, November! Honestly, October had great points and not-so-great points. Having a sick pet is not fun. Trying to figure out exactly what's going on isn't either. But she appears to be doing better so that's a plus.

We had a spectacular trick-or-treat night. The weather ended up being cooperative. Chilly but not cold, slightly windy but not gusty, and no rain. The past few years we've had flurries, frigid temperatures, rain, and the blowy, serious wind that makes everyone miserable. Having almost perfect weather is a nice change.

Had an okay work week. I finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread. Finalized a developmental edit with only formatting left to do before it moves over to a copy editor. I have a bit of research to do for the other developmental edit I'm working on and I should have that at least started today.

Not a bad week of viewing. I made it all the way through my current slate of shows. I didn't hit the backburner ones but, again, sick doggo equals a lot of time.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and I'm almost finished with the second season. I really did enjoy the downfall of Jack's former father-in-law. I also loved how disgusted Rosie ended up being with her dad. Christmas episode is up next and it's one I love to pieces.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War and finished out the second season. I'd forgotten Andrew crashed his plane and he had a bit of a romance with Sam. Looking forward to starting the third season.

Watched an episode of Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed Humphrey and Martha interacting with their new foster. Also quite enjoyed the Ester and Archie banter. I really hope Kelby ends up getting a girl because he's the sweetest guy ever.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. A lot of twisty-turns in this one and Poirot getting all bent over Hastings using the bathroom as a darkroom was hilarious.

Elementary ended up being very interesting. I'm kind of wary of Joan trying to get a mole inside Moreland's company. I think it's for protection so Moreland's enemies can't hurt Sherlock and, by extension, Joan. I'm very interested in whether Moreland is setting this up on purpose or if he's just underestimating Joan. Should be fun to find out.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and didn't really remember this one. Ended up liking it a lot. Always good to see Bruce out of the manor.

Lower Decks was so much fun. Beckett is growing on me and Boimler isn't annoying me as much either. And the theme song is still stuck in my head. I think it might be my favorite out of all the Trek shows.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Picture Perfect, a novella that pulls a couple back together after one literally goes through a trial by fire.

Here's the miniblurb:

Faeryn Carnes, a fire elemental, crossed through the Shroud, leaving the mortal plane. But when she returned, an unheard of occurrence, Seth Jacobson, an air elemental, is the only person she can count on, which seems impossible because Faeryn believes air and fire can't mix.

And a preview snippet…

Several hours later, Faeryn yawned and glanced over toward Seth. His head bent forward, and his finger moved across the page. Occasionally, he'd stop and highlight a section of the book.

The noise in her head receded a little and her eyes grew heavy. Did she dare try to sleep? Yeah, you need the rest. She hadn't had more than an hour or two at a time since she'd returned.

She focused on Seth, watching him work. Her mind stilled and her brain slipped into slumber. Muted images rolled through her awareness, seemingly on fast forward. An occasional burst of color would pop, and the frame would freeze.

Faeryn crossed the shroud and entered the flames … a woman grasped Faeryn and carried her though the flames … and argued her case in a dark chamber filled with voices … the woman fused herself to Faeryn … Vinard's visage loomed huge and menacing … a man dangled on a precipice, trapped in a cage … more debate raged in the background … the voices rose urgent with anger and determination … the woman faded away … but Faeryn stayed tethered to her … until she crossed through the veil again … not dead but not fully alive either and the incessant buzzing of his voice began.

I am the fire elemental. You are my vessel, and you must defeat—

"Faeryn! Hey, come on. Come back to me." Fear laced Seth's voice. "Breathe, Faeryn. Come on."

Vinard!

Her eyes blinked open and she gasped, coughing and choking on the air rushing into her lungs. Seth's shoulders slumped and he gathered her to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist and clung to him. A balm of safety in her perilous world.

He eased back and held her gaze. "You okay? You gave me a scare." His hand cupped her face.

She leaned into his palm. "What happened? What did I do?" Her eyes darted back and forth, taking in the low embers of the fire and the first streaks of light in the sky beyond the window. "How long was I out?"

Seth angled around on the sofa and hauled her up onto his lap. "Most of the night. I figured you needed the downtime and didn't disturb you … until you started talking in your sleep. The words sounded ancient, and I tried to translate but then you went completely stiff and I think you stopped breathing." He shook his head. "Scared the hell out of me."

She'd slept most of the night? Had to be because of Seth. He offered her a safe haven, and she could let down her guard.

She laced their fingers together. "Sorry about that. I can't believe I actually slept most of the night." She huffed out a breath. "What a wild ride, though."

Seth tucked her closer to his side. "Do you remember anything?" His brows arched.

She half-shrugged. "Bit and pieces. I might have some answers but I'm not sure." Her heart twisted. "I feel like they're right there … but also just out of reach." A sigh escaped before she could stop it.

Seth rubbed her shoulder. "That's frustrating but…" He trailed off on a yawn.

Faeryn nudged him. "Maybe you need to get some rest, and we can talk about what I remember when you can think straight." She gave him a wobbly grin.

Seth scrunched down, keeping her in his arms, and pulled a throw off the back of the couch. "That's a plan. And, no, you're not going anywhere. Even if you don't fall asleep, I'll rest better knowing you're here and safe for the moment." He draped the blanket over them.

Faeryn brushed her lips over his jawline. "There's no place I'd rather be right now." Her mouth quirked because he'd already drifted off.

She turned her thoughts to the last moments of her dream. If the vision proved true, she had a large piece of the puzzle … but what would that answer cost her?

I'm kind of happy with how this one is coming together. Faeryn is a fun character to write even if she'd living on the edge right now.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye