I just wanted to give you all proof that I’ve been working on Daylight, and of course wanted to share with you some of the awesomeness that is to come…and well, I begged Sam and she said I could allow you to read this without giving away too much. *happy dance*
So, without further ado… Your snippet of Daylight.
Right, don’t scream too loud or pee your pants.
Daylight Snippet
“Cheyenne,” Callon commanded, “don’t run away from me!”
The crimson-eyed beast roared as I brought my fingers together. I narrowed my eyes, allowing the power to build in my chest.
“Get off me,” I said between clenched teeth.
“No! You need to listen to me…”
The beast burst forth and Callon was thrown to the side. The wind began to howl, building and building around me.
“Cheyenne, stop!” Nakari cried. She jumped to Callon’s side. Go ahead and run to him Nakari—have him! No more! I conjured up more air, watching the trees bend almost to breaking point. She’d provoked this, she could deal with the consequences!
Suddenly something struck me in the side, and the wind escaped my fingertips. I hit the ground, mud splashing into my face, and gasped. I tried to move, but found a massive paw on my chest. Maes had pounced, breaking my concentration. His jade-rimmed eyes were hard. Slowly he backed off, returning to his human form. I stood, shaking, while Nakari helped Callon to his feet.
Tears poured down my cheeks. What had I ever done to be forced to endure such heartache and pain? I’d never asked for any of this! All I’d ever wanted was to live a normal life, and be with the one I loved. Not to constantly be angry and want to destroy. This wasn’t me!
“Cheyenne!” Maes growled. “What the…”
His words were cut short as I raced past. I couldn’t stay here. Callon was right; I was still out of control. I turned back to see if he was following when a bolt of electricity shot from thin air. It tore through my limbs and I was thrown back. I collided with Maes’s chest, and we tumbled down a small ravine, landing in a creek. My cheek lay in a pile of cold mud and Maes lifted his head. A groan escaped his lips.
“You found the enchantment.”
My head spinning, I looked up. Flickering iridescent lights were gliding across the ridge, like fireflies.
Footsteps neared, and I caught familiar breathing. Callon had come.
“Cheyenne, please, just listen! I can explain…”
I didn’t wait for him to finish. I brushed Maes’s hand, seizing his power. A moment later I shifted, becoming a Tresez. Almost at once my head felt like it was going to explode.
“No!” Maes shouted.
I stumbled to my feet, the forest whirling before me. Patches of gray, black and red drifted past. It looked like another world. I opened my mouth to speak, but only a low whine came forth. Bile rose in my throat and my legs gave out. My head hit the ground and I began panting.
“Shift back, now!” Maes pulled my head up. “You shouldn’t have done that!”
A red aura glowed around his chest, while the rest of his body was shrouded in dark shadows. I turned to see Nakari and Callon had the same aura. Maes had heat vision.
My panting slowed as the dizziness subsided. Power, raw unleashed power trickled through my veins. It was different than what the crimson-eyed beast provided. This was pure animal strength, mightier than even Brogan’s.
I leapt to my feet, releasing a roar, and focused on Callon. He pushed Nakari behind him, and I opened my jaws. There’d be no summoning of the wind, only razor sharp teeth to leave a lasting impression.
Maes stormed in front of Callon. Pure rage radiated as his aura grew brighter.
“If you don’t change back now, I won’t hold back,” he threatened. I blinked. I’d never seen him so mad before, not even when I’d been moping around in the manor. I’d pushed him too far, but no farther than they’d pushed me.
I took a step back, my legs tightening, when I sprang forward. I cleared their heads and sprinted into the dense trees. Running was the safest option right now. If I didn’t leave, I’d do something I’d regret. I needed to control this rage.
My new instincts filled every pore, and I let them lead me back to the estate. Nightfall was coming. I didn’t have to play this stupid game anymore, didn’t have to deal with Callon’s lies. Besides, I’d proven myself worthy. I’d evaded them all, and hadn’t let the beast get the better of me. It had been close, though. I still had a way to go.
Of course there would still be payment for Callon’s actions, but it would come from me, not the beast.
I jerked to a stop. A powerful scent had reached my nostrils. It was familiar. I lowered my head, following the trail. So this is what it was like to be Maes. The slightest change in the air and I could taste the difference on my tongue.
My ears perked up. Rustling in the bush ahead caught my attention. I crept closer, watching for any sign of life. Something prickled across my back; my old Tresez nail wound.
Oh no!
Suddenly a small red glow began to emerge. A tiny drumbeat echoed in my ear. No, not a drumbeat, a heartbeat. I slid closer to investigate, when a rabbit bolted from the brush and took off into the forest. So that’s what rabbit smelt like for a dog…
Be careful you fool!
I snapped my head around. Who said that?
I caught a scent mixed with hers. She’s not alone.
Huh? Who was talking? Where were they? I crouched lower, my eyes searching the forest shadows. My nostrils flared, it was the previous scent again. Not rabbit.
Circle to the right, we have the advantage in the dark. Conall will have our heads if we come back empty handed.
Either way we’re doomed. If we meet up with Maes…
Tresez! I had to warn the others! Wait…I was a Tresez! I had Maes strength, I could dispose of these dogs myself.
If you want me, come and get me! I screamed in my thoughts.
Glowing eyes met mine and I felt the hair rise on the back of my neck. A low rumble grew from within as I began circling the filth in front of me.
Maes?
I leapt, landing on its back and sinking my teeth into its thick fur. A moan rumbled against my lips as the creature began snarling. I shook my head, the smaller Tresez flopping around like a rag dog until I lost my hold and it broke free.
I was hit from the side, causing me to stumble when I caught sight of more glowing eyes moving through the forest. There were more than just two. I began moving back. I could take on one or two, but an army?
Well, what do we have here? Maes out on a patrol? one growled.
I can not wait for the rest of the book. I fell in love with the series as soon as I read the first chapter of the first book. Thank you so much for sharing your imaginations with us. It is a great pleasure
Wow Lisa, This is so great! Really I can't wait for the book…WHEN? The snipets are wonderful, but taunting as it is Spring 2013…so WHEN? We love you Lisa. Your brain must never stop. How do you get all of your ideas down and out for us to read and without them being jumbled too. Can't waittttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂