The setup:
Lucas and Cronan have been bound together since their deaths in 1349. Now, a Guardian and a Death Spirit, they are both responsible for a human life; Lucas must protect the life until it is Cronan's job to take it. It is a cycle that will last through seven lifetimes until their souls are set free. It seems like a simple enough task. However, Lucas repeatedly becomes attached to the lives he is responsible, much to Cronan's chagrin. And every time Lucas steps in to keep Cronan from taking a life, a cycle of seven lifetimes must be repeated.
1870
The Midlands, England
The Midlands, England
The horse reared. The woman’s gaze was ripped away from the deer and she was thrown onto the horse’s neck. The horse took off, pounding the ground with its hooves.
Branches from the blur that made up the forest ripped at her hair and sliced across her face. A scream sounded from her throat. She buried her face in the horse’s neck and tried to find the reins that had been yanked from her grasp. Suddenly, the reins slipped into her hands. She pulled with all her strength, shredding her fingernails on the leather. The horse reared backwards, hooves tearing at the grassy edge of a deep ravine.
The ravine that would have swallow them both and ended their lives.
Shakily gathering the reins with a sob, the woman took a few moments to catch her breath before she turned to see her brother charging towards her on horseback.
He pulled on his reins to slow his horse. “What would possess you to ride off like that, Catherine, have you lost your mind?” his voice was raised in alarm. “It will do you little good to break your neck before the wedding.”
“I shall not marry,” she replied, desperation edging her voice. “I do not love him.”
“Surely, you jest?” His face registered disbelief.
“I need time to think.” She clenched the reins in her hands. “It was unfair of father to approach me so.”
“You haven’t a choice in these matters. He has already promised your dowry. Randolf is a good man, Catherine. He cares about you. You could do worse.”
"But--"
“You have embarrassed yourself enough. I suggest you follow and make your apologies.” He turned to look at her. “Well?”
Catherine's shoulders slumped. She nudged her horse forward.
Unseen and straddling the horse behind her, Lucas could see Cronan still standing at the ravine. Their eyes locked and a small pang of guilt nagged at his insides as his counterpart turned from them and stalked away.
End
How far would you go to redeem yourself?
As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.
*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012
Purchase Links
No comments:
Post a Comment