Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the miniblurb:

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

And a preview snippet…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye