Wrong Turn - Chapter 1
My November Novel in Progress
(Placeholder art via Midjourney and painting in elements. Will be replaced by my own art.)
Okay, here’s my goal. One chapter a day throughout November, minimum. This is mainly if I hit a spot where I have several days of:…erm…I need to write something else! You’re getting this chapter early because it was already written so it’s part of my numbers! This is also a short chapter. It is free until a month after the story ends when I will paywall it until I rewrite it. (No, you cannot take it and claim it’s yours.) I’ll revise it and ask for beta readers. This is not edited. Feel free to comment. I’m a discovery writer. *Muttering* It appears substack didn’t accept my italics, so trying to get all of those put back in.
-TC Ross
Chapter 1 - The Raid
Light danced in the evening sky. Fire bloomed in multiple colors over the fields and forest. The stench of gunpowder hung in the air. Smoke wafted over the sun scorched grass. Children laughed, waving sparklers to form words and simple pictures in the air.
And in the tall grass, out of sight of the big people, Char gazed at the sky with wide-eyed wonder. Every year they opened the fireworks stand and celebrated Independence Day…and so did the Fae. A few of their elders had even fought the British in secret, assisting the big people.
They had every right to celebrate, even if they weren’t officially citizens.
Char’s wings twitched, envy filling her body, burning as bright as any firework. It would be so easy to join them…if she were only their size. The world was so much bigger than their colony. It’s not fair. Why—
“Charlotte,” Topher grabbed her by the wing, pulling her back. “Not so close to the edge of the grass. Dad’ll kill me if he finds out I let you come with us.”
“I just wanted to see better.” Char pouted, joining her brother farther back in the grass.
“They’re almost done for the night,” Topher said, patting her shoulder. “Be patient and you can pick out whatever you can carry.”
The grass rustled around them as more Fae joined them, keeping their wings draped over their backs. Many wore light cloaks to hide their colors.
Char glanced at her back, her yellow wings, the color of dried grass, good enough to hide her should one of the big people stumble their direction.
A breeze stirred their hiding spot, the sweltering summer heat persisting past sunset. The grass rustled, paper thin blades scraping against each other.
Crimson and gold flowers bloomed overhead, sparks cascading like rain from the centers. Char lifted her chin, enjoying the show up close.
“Oh, no!” one of the big people gasped nearby.
A rocket screamed, skimming the top of the grass. Sparks fell in the grass, some smoldering, others catching the dry tinder and bursting into flame.
“Don’t fly!” Topher shouted.
The grass moved around them as frightened fairies moved. Heavily booted feet landed far too close as a man clomped past, dragging a dripping hose. Another ran past, spraying water onto the burning grass.
Char stood frozen, her heart racing at how close they were. The dry earth soaked up the water. Stinging smoke filled the air.
“Get down and move!” Topher hissed, wrapping a strong arm over her shoulders. He pushed her away from the man.
Char stumbled, landing face first in the dirt. Topher grabbed her tight, his fingers digging into her bare skin. Light flickered around them. Reddish-orange light filled the night sky. The big people shouted and screamed.
Sparks floated in the air. The smoke grew thicker, casting the field in a hazy red light.
“This way,” Topher commanded, speaking to more than her. He dragged her closer to the ditch near the road. There, fresh water flowed, coming from the fire hydrant near the fireworks stand.
“What’s happening?” Char whimpered, rubbing her eyes. “I can’t see.”
“Everything is on fire.” Someone bumped into her, pushing her closer to Topher. More Fae joined them, splashing into the waist deep water. “Everything!”
“Mom… Dad…” Char jumped forward, her wings lifting.
“They’re in the castle. They’ll be fine.” Topher caught her by the wing and jerked her into the water. He pounced on her, holding her down as she struggled. “It might not get that far. The spotters will see it coming…”
Char turned toward home. Tears stung her eyes as shadows moved, running away from the fire. Flames shot into the trees, climbing into the branches. Smoke rose higher in the sky, obscuring the stars.
“Everything will be okay,” Topher whispered, loosening his grip. He held her tight, repeating the words. “We’re safe.”
A knot closed off Char’s throat as she gazed at the disaster unfolding before her. They always lie when the worst is happening. She swallowed, unable to take her eyes off the sight.
Everything will not be okay.
And a skeetchy sketch.