My mother used to tell me to live a life filled with adventure and excitement. She always said I needed to look at the bigger picture, never let fear or doubt hold me back, and that when the time comes I should take courage and face the unknown. 

It never occurred to me that those small words of encouragement would one day set my life on a path I never thought I'd have to one day walk through.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   What would you do if you were suddenly told, your entire life has been a lie. 
    That you have quite a line of people who want you dead for reasons unknown to you, simply because you bear the last name.... Carter.
     Well, this is my story of how I struggled to overcome my biggest fears.

HOUSE OF FIRE

 Steven paced down the length of his living room while Dana tended to my injured leg, the anger on his face getting darker by the second as Kota continues to explain what happened in the forest. 


Rae sat right next to me on the couch, holding my hand tightly in hers as her expression slowly changes from concern to guilt, then trembling fear when Prince Kota finishes. 


Whirling to glare accusingly at Rae, Steven practically roars when he asks. “Where the hell were you when this was happening?” 


“I’m so s-so-sorry Uncle Steven, I s-sw-swear I didn’t know-” 


“You bloody promised me, Rae!” He screams, his hands flying and vein lines appearing across his forehead. “When I signed that stupid petition for a bonfire party you promised to take care of my daughter. Is this how you keep your promises!” 


She flinches, we both did, but me more in surprise and her in fear as she hiccups between sobs. “I’m sorry, I’m so s-s-sorry.” 


Chapter 22