A Missing Scene from Path to Ashes — Chapter 17

It’s been brought to my attention (and confirmed after a mild heart attack and triple-checking my files) that the end of Chapter 17 didn’t make it into the first uploaded version of Path to Ashes.

This was entirely my user error. When exporting from Scrivener, I didn’t realize one of my scene files hadn’t saved properly. Thankfully, the missing content has now been restored in all current versions (both Kindle and paperback).

To make sure no one misses out on the action, here’s the missing scene exactly as it was meant to appear:

Scene:

A windowless black van careened into view, skidding to a halt just behind Paul. The passenger door slammed open, and out stomped Carmen. She was a storm wrapped in leather. Her dark eyes burned as she locked onto Paul, expression promising death. Paul took a step back, wariness creeping into his stance as he yielded his oppressive position over me.

Without a word, Carmen marched past me, boots clicking against the pavement. She reached down, grabbed Luke like a sack of potatoes, and slung him over her broad shoulder. Turning back toward me, she threw a muscular arm around my shoulders.

“Off limits,” she said hoarsely.

“Always a pleasure, Carmen,” Paul inclined his head in a mocking bow as we passed.

Carmen’s only response was a raised middle finger. She guided me toward the back of the van without breaking stride. The vehicle’s interior was cramped with cleaning supplies but blessedly warm. She shoved the door open and tossed Luke onto the hard metal floor with a thud. He groaned, writhing slightly.

I slumped in between a mop and a corded vacuum, adrenaline draining from my body as the relative safety of the van enveloped me. Carmen climbed in after me. The door slammed shut behind us, sealing Paul and the alleyway firmly on the other side.

“Drive,” Carmen barked.

I looked to the front just in time to see Malik, features tight with concentration, shifting the van into reverse. Tires screeched as we peeled out of the alley. Paul's inhuman eyes reflected the light of our headlights with a matte glare. Shuddering, I turned away and placed a trembling hand over my racing heart. My body felt distant, a different kind of cold spreading over me.

“Where are you hurt?” Carmen’s voice broke through my haze, her expression tightening. “I smell your blood.”

“Oh,” My hand drifted to the back of my left thigh, where a dull, stinging pain had been simmering beneath the adrenaline. “It’s nothing. Just a piece of glass from the trash.”

“Forgive me,” she covered her mouth and nose with one hand. “I’m not as in control as Odessa.”

She made her way to the front of the van, casting a glance back at me.

“Get to the very back,” she ordered firmly, and I obeyed without hesitation.

When we finally arrived, Carmen snatched Luke’s unconscious form up in her iron grip. He had passed out during the trip. She carried him across the parking garage beneath Crimson & Clover.

“Malik,” she called over her shoulder. “Help her with that cut. Meet us in the basement when you’re finished.”

She disappeared inside with Luke still draped over her shoulder. I tried to follow, but the sting in my leg grew with every step until I was limping awkwardly. Malik, who had been quiet until now, turned to me. His golden eyeliner caught the overhead light, refracting in small, mesmerizing sparkles.

“Are you okay?”

🩸 What Happened Next

This scene bridges Chapter 17 and the events leading into Chapter 18, where Scarlet wakes in the aftermath of her rescue. If you’ve already read past this point, don’t worry, continuity and flow haven’t changed. But this small missing link adds emotional and tonal context to Scarlet’s recovery and Malik’s growing role.

Thank you all for catching this and for being so supportive while I fix my small “author oops” moment. If you already purchased the Kindle version, your copy will update automatically. If you’re reading paperback, this scene will appear in the corrected print run.

Now we can officially say Chapter 17 is whole again. 🖤

Reader photos from those who’ve joined the world of Path to Ashes.

Bonus News — A New Cover Is Coming

While I’m here, I can finally tease that Path to Ashes is getting a brand-new cover from an incredibly talented artist. I’ve seen the early sketches, and it’s everything I hoped for: dark, romantic, and utterly gothic.

I cannot wait to share it with you soon!