I only added a few hundred words to The Shadow of Vale this week. I have been working more on the story I have set on Cardelsiff. Its been a lot of fun and I am actually writing a lot, just not in this story.
I am struggling a bit with what is happening along side Zuriel and Aila’s story. Since I cut so much of what is happening in the actual conflict of the world, I am still piecing together the events. So while I have a good idea of this first part, which I think will probably be its own book, I want to be setting up the next bit, but I just don’t now what that entails just yet. Its super clear and then really foggy and then I know how it ends.
Since I don’t have anything to share from The Shadow of Vale, here is an excerpt from my other story, Phoenix Bound. Enjoy!
Despite how close she’d gotten to the woods, she hadn’t quite reached the cover of them when arms wrapped around her and she fell, tangled up with her captor.
A hand slapped over her mouth before a scream could escape her.
I’m not going to hurt you.
Tears leaked from her eyes as she sobbed and struggled against the embrace of the naim. Another man she’d trusted foolishly.
I’m going to let go, but please don’t scream. I don’t know how strong he made that potion; he might have suspected it was for him.
For him? Mara stilled and soon after, the arm pinning her own arms to her sides loosened and then fell away along with the hand on her mouth. She rolled away and rose to a crouch and found herself face to face with the orange naim, his eyes surprisingly bright in the darkness.
They stared at one another in silence for a long moment until Keegan finally straightened and without taking his eyes off Mara, collected a bag and haphazardly folded the blanket she’d been laying on and tucked it inside.
She tore her gaze away and looked to the trees.
You don’t know this island. You’ll get lost.
Lost on an island was probably better than what they had in mind for her.
Except, he hadn’t given her the potion. He hadn’t bound her. He just stood watching her. Coiled and tense, but somehow not threatening.
Koray hadn’t seemed threatening either.
Though Keegan didn’t remind her of Koray. He reminded her of Russ.
The potion. Why did you ask for it?
Keegan flinched and lowered his eyes before he sent. I didn’t realize you heard us. I can’t make potions and the only way I could think to get you away without him following was to give him a sleeping potion. He’s a light sleeper, so sneaking off wasn’t an option. I never intended to use it on you. He turned his gaze back to her.
Again, they stood still and silent for a long time before Keegan let out a breath and started toward the trees.
Why should I trust you? She sent as he came beside her.
He looked at her, a weariness in his eyes. You shouldn’t trust me. He paused. But you do. With that, he started off into the trees.
Mara watched him and then glanced back toward the embers where the fire had been. She thought she could make out the sprawled from of the wizard in the shadows.
Coming? ‘Cause Skrok wasn’t playing a part. He meant what he said.
Mara shuddered and turned toward the dark woods where she could only just make out Keegan’s form within the shadows. Taking a breath, she started into the darkness after him.
