"World on Fire" Fireplace Teaser

One more excerpt for World on Fire. This novel is available now! 

Buy it from Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, or many other online merchants. 

The story had a paranormal element to it I haven't alluded much to during the release. Lucian is far from a regular artist. The few reviews have been positive and I'm thrilled readers have enjoyed Lucian's world.

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“I hope you don’t fear the dark,” he whispered. Cole opened his mouth to question the statement but stopped with a shock when a crack of thunder rattled the windows and the house was plunged into darkness.

Had Lucian known? Cole blinked, trying to force his eyes to adjust to the darkness more quickly. 

“Will Victoria be all right in the kitchen?” Cole asked to take his mind off the situation.  

“She has eyes like a cat,” Lucian replied. “It’s a family trait.” 

Cole accepted the lack of concern and watched the candles’ flames flicker. Back to the interview. He cleared his throat. “You were speaking about your world here.”

Lucian leaned forward and slid the candleholder closer. “I’m now convinced you don’t understand, Mr. Saunders.” He ran his finger through the first candle’s flame, sending sparks that faded so quickly Cole was sure his eyes had made it up. “I thought for a moment you would.”

“What don’t I understand?” Cole asked.

Lucian placed his hand behind the flame to block the other candles and blew softly, extinguishing the fire. The wick sent up smoke, and Lucian blew on the wispy line. Cole’s eyes widened slightly at the sight. The thin line of smoke twisted upward and split paths to take on an unnatural appearance. Cole closed his eyes and rubbed them. The smoke had almost resembled a twisting snake. 

 “I’ll try my best to understand, but you have me confused about what I’m supposed to understand, Lucian.” 

“Hmm.” Lucian touched the middle candle. This time Cole was sure the sparks were real, and he remembered the brief sight of glittering light in the basement. The sight was similar, if not the same.  

“What was that?” Cole asked with a gasp. “The flame sparked.” 

“It’s speaking to me,” Lucian whispered. He leaned forward and once again blew out the flame. The smoke twisted upward, split, and mingled in the air. The snake appearance deepened in detail. Cole gasped in awe. The shape wasn’t a snake but a long Chinese dragon.  The head took a defined shape and the long body had legs. The dim light from the fireplace made it difficult to tell if it had been real or an illusion.

“How are you doing that?” Cole could hardly find his voice.

Lucian chuckled and moved to the third candle. “This is my world.” He pinched out the last flame.