Explore a unique glimpse into the world of Ember with this exclusive deleted scene from the Hollow Slayers Series. Dive deeper into the story and uncover the secrets that shaped my characters.

Rose’s fever spiked at midnight, her small body radiating heat that shouldn’t be survivable. Journ placed cool compresses on her forehead, thunder rumbling outside in response to her fear.

“Mama?” Rose murmured, eyes fluttering open.

“Shh, I’m here.” Journ smoothed back Rose’s sweat-damp hair.

“Not you.” Rose’s hand reached past her. “Other mama. I feel her.”

Journ turned to find Meiren in the doorway, frozen in place. Fire flickered across her skin, responding to Rose’s fever.

“Get out,” Journ snarled, but without her usual venom.

Meiren remained still. “Her fire is evolving. I can help.”

“Like you helped me?” The words tasted bitter, but Journ’s arms were already moving, making room on the bed’s edge. “Do what you need to do. For her. Not for us.”

As Meiren’s hands guided Rose’s chaotic flames into steady patterns, Journ watched their matching expressions of concentration. The resemblance struck her like physical pain—not just in their features but in something deeper, something written in blood and power.

“I carried her,” Journ whispered, lightning flickering defensively. “I birthed her. I was there for every first.”

“I know.” Meiren’s voice held no challenge, only acknowledgment. “That matters.”

The simplicity of those words shifted something in Journ’s chest—not forgiveness, not yet, but the first recognition that the situation held complexity beyond betrayal.

Don’t forget that “Ember” is currently 40% off (just $2.99) until May 29th!

Next week: We’ll explore the Han Dynasty and African magical traditions that inspired Ember’s unique magical system.