HOUSE OF FIRE: HOUSE OF FIRE

By Blessing Ewetumo

My mother used to tell me to live a life filled with adventure and excitement. She always said I needed to look at the larger 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 walkthrough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781716080876

Book preview

HOUSE OF FIRE

Book 1 - Gift Of The Family

Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become..

- Steve Jobs

PART 1 -

IMPAIR - Prologue

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.

Chapter 1

Staring out the small window of the aeroplane, I counted each drop of rain rolling down the glass until I got to ten, only to start counting all over again. I’ve done this for the past hour, and though the action seems like a boring activity, its the only thing distracting me from the paralyzing thoughts threatening to burst out of the Pandora box within my mind. The music playing from my ear buds changes to another and the song, Oceans by Hillsong United begins with a soothing melody in my ears.

Closing my eyes, I feel a sense of calm wash over me and can’t help but relax. I’ve never been one with faith in any religion, but before his recent death my step-father had been a strong Christian believer, and listening to one of his favourite songs makes me feel like he’s right by my side. Offering nothing but strength and encouragement.

Opening my eyes, my thoughts are shattered by the presence of someone settling down heavily beside me. I half-heartedly acknowledge the older man who's been my brooding seatmate ever since we boarded the plane.

Shifting my sitting position to put a little distance between us I stare at him through the corner of my eyes, for something about the older man puts me on edge. He has wrinkly ivory skin with neutral undertones and a slightly crooked nose, his eyes are a startling shade of forest green and his lips are a little wide in shape. He’s wearing a large black coat and when he raises his left hand to run it through his hair an eye-catching tattoo appears, it’s a dragon tattoo coiled around his wrist.

It's head resting on the inside of his palm while its tail is wrapped around his wrist, and its the entire snaky body is covered in flames of red.

Tilting my head in wonder, I can’t help but stare at the tattoo until it disappears when he puts his hand back down. The colours of the tattoo are so vivid and bright that it almost looks like it was painted on his skin. Not seeing anything else that could tell me why I’m uneasy next to him, I turn away and settle further into my seat to concentrate on the music from my ear buds.

A few months ago, I, Coral Ray had everything any girl could dream of. A pleasant life filled with a large group of friends and a happy family. Then a mysterious accident takes the life of my parents and suddenly I’m left all alone to face the world.

Right after their demise, harder news was dropped onto my lap at the reading of my parents' will and testimony. I was told by their lawyer that should in case anything happen to them, I’d be left under the guardianship of my supposed biological father.

A man I’ve never heard, met, or even seen before. Deciding to shake off my brooding thoughts, I let my head fall back and close my eyes. I seriously need a break, the migraine pounding away at my temple is proof enough that I’ve been thinking way too much these past few months.

~*~*~*~

The feeling of being lurched forward startled me awake, blinking my eyes open I scrunch my face in confusion at my unfamiliar surroundings. Looking around to see seat-belts being unbuckled and unfamiliar faces rising to their feet. Letting out a long sigh it all comes back in a flash, the speakers blare softly with the voice of the pilot has he thanks everyone for their cooperation during the flight.

Unbuckling my seat belt, I count the time difference between New York and Paris and realize it’s 10:16 am. Tuning my watch to Paris time I rise and stretch, a shiver of discomfort running down my spine as my legs slowly get back their feeling and blood starts circulating.

Getting off the plane I quietly follow the crowd of passengers towards the baggage claim in the airport and grab my suitcases before searching for the person sent to pick me up.

I searched for close to an hour before giving up, standing in-between the moving crowd I couldn’t help the sigh of irritation that left my lips. Due to the academy’s strict rules, phones are prohibited on school grounds and I had to leave mine back at my place. It never occurred to me until now that I might have difficulty reaching out to the academy should in case my escort be late or, not show up at all.

A male clears his throat behind me, and I’m startled when a hand lightly taps my shoulder. Excuse me?

Turning around, I tilt my head in confusion and stare at the male through the dark shades resting on my nose. The first feature I noticed was his shocking pair of violet eyes, they captured my attention immediately with its startling beauty. Next is the fact that he’s quite tall compared to my average 5’6ft height and his skin is very tan for someone who looks like he doesn’t get out much. He’s classically handsome with dark brown hair, a straight nose, and a well-defined bone structure.

Are, you talking to me? I ask in confusion, looking around just to be sure.

Yeah. He nods, smiling to reveal dimples in both cheeks. I just wanted to ask if you’re Coral Ray?

Yes, Pulling off my glasses I hook them to the collar of my shirt and respond uncertainly, nodding. I am. Who's asking?

He visibly breathes out in relief and holds out a hand for a handshake. On his outstretched hand is a tattoo of a turtle, the tattoo very similar in style to the one I saw on my older seatmate on the plane. It’s larger too and coils around his wrist in a similar pattern. The turtles head rests on the inside of his palm while its legs fall to his wrist, there’s a splash of clear blue water wrapped around the green turtle and for a second I wonder if life-like tattoos are starting to become a trend here.

After discovering I’ve done nothing but stare at his hand, I immediately grasp his palm so I don’t appear rude. It’s nice to meet you Coral Ray, I’m Devon Prescott. I was sent by the academy to pick you up. 

Oh, well that’s a relief. I smile, and could only watch in surprise when he releases me to pull out the handles of my suitcases. He starts heading for the exit and I hurriedly followed. How did you guess it was me from the start?

I didn’t, I must have stopped like 10 different girls asking if they were Coral Ray before I saw you. The picture I was given wasn’t very clear so I had no idea what you looked like, I just knew you had auburn brown hair and beautiful blue eyes.

I momentarily falter in my step at the beautiful eyes comment but shake off the slight flutter that rose in my stomach. Do you work for the Academy?

He barks out a laugh as if amused by the question. No, I’m a student, I was sent because the Dean felt you’d be more comfortable arriving at the Academy with someone your age.

Sceptical, I study his frame from behind and ask. Are you also 15?

No, 16, I meant a teenage age.

As we make our way out of the airport, immediately a uniformed middle-aged man steps forward to take my suitcases from Devon. I watch him around a sleek SUV parked on the sidewalk and slip my bags carefully into the trunk.

Stepping away from my side, Devon moves forward and opens the back door for me like a gentleman, motioning me in with one hand raised while smiling. I can’t help but be a little charmed by the show of chivalry and slide into the back carefully, flipping my hair over my shoulder when the door is shut closed.

I watch through tinted windows as both Devon and the uniformed driver slip into the car, and after buckling up we made our way from the airport in silence. The drive was rather boring and filled with French music from the radio, so I stared blankly out the window for the duration of it, lost in thought. I couldn’t help but startle when my door is suddenly jerked open. Blinking, I gaze up at Devon in surprise before looking into the car to realize the driver isn’t within sight and we’re parked in an underground parking lot.

Are we at the academy already?

No, we're making a brief stop first. he steps away from the car before I can ask why and I follow behind when I step down from the SUV.

He pulled out my suitcases from the trunk and heads towards a smaller vehicle, which is built in the exact model of a golf cart. There are solar panels on the roof which leaves me stunned for a minute because I certainly wasn’t expecting that.

Hey, wait a minute, I frown, confused. Why are we changing… what I hope is a car?

Slipping my suitcases into the back seat, he keys out what sounds like a tired sigh before turning to me to respond. . school doesn’t allow automated cars into its territory so we’re taking the battery-operated cart instead.

So, it is a cart.

"Why doesn't the school allow automated cars into its territory?

"Environmental reasons I guess, our Dean is very eco-friendly," He responds, his answer a little mocking, as if there’s a hidden joke within his statement.

He slips into the driver's side after motioning me forward, and I slowly slide into the passenger seat. He starts the cart with a small circular button underneath the wheel and immediately the vehicle vibrates with a soft hum, I shift in surprise at the feel of the cool air grazing my skin and slowly put on my seat-belt when he turns towards me expectantly.

He reverses out of the lot and drives into the street of whatever colourful town we’re currently in, the cart surprisingly going a lot faster than I expected it to. Can I ask where exactly we are?

"The lovely town of Versailles.

Chapter 2

After another long, boring drive through town, my attention is drawn forward when the cart draws to a slow stop before a thick wall of concrete at the top of a steeped hill. And right in the middle of the concrete, is a deep engraving of a Triquetra symbol.

The symbol immediately makes my eyes widen in surprise, my hand unconsciously rising to rest on my biceps where there’s a black tattoo of the same knot imprinted on my skin. 

   Puzzled, I turn to Devon and was about to ask why he stopped before a wall when a loud scratching noise disrupts me from speaking. I slowly turn to look ahead and gasp as a small section of the wall just above the symbol to the left slides open to reveal a dark opening, a tiny device is soon pushed out and it’s in the shape of a pistol gun.

  The pointed mouth of the pistol releases a red beaming light towards the cart and I could only watch in shock as the light scans our bodies through the cart, twice, before the pistol slides back in. Only, a metal cased screen appears in its place. The screen lights up and projects a blue beam of light before the cart to reveal a rotating holographic visual. My jaw drops and brows rise when the visual head of a female smiles warmly and speaks in a computerized voice.

  Authorized, vehicle scanning complete. Coral&Knight Academy welcomes you, Coral Ray, we hope your new beginning at C&K is highly successful. Cart Motor 56161, you are authorized to enter.

     This some sick security you have here. I couldn’t help but snort, turning to him I ask sarcastically. "Why, is the Dean also safety-friendly?"

     Amused, Devon spares me a side glance and smiles rather than respond as the visual disappears. The screen slides back in and the concrete wall parts in the middle just like the red sea, bringing into view a narrow gravel road leading into a compound surrounded by nothing but thick trees.

 He drives through the divided wall while I continue looking out the window in amazement, my nose practically pressed to the glass when the trees clear away to reveal a beautiful, majestic castle. He drives around a small fountain and stops the cart before the castle with a satisfied sigh. Well, here we are. 

Stepping out of the cart after a glance at me, I straighten up and quickly follow his lead. It almost feels like I’m transported into another universe, one from a medieval era, as I tilt my head back to stare at the intimidating stone building practically looming over me.

      The Gothic castle looks just as mysterious and creepy as they usually appear in movies with vines crawling up the building, dry leaves scattered all over the grass, a clock tower right in the middle, darkened hallways, smokey chimney’s sticking out of the roof, and street lamps. The narrow road circles around the castle and to the left, I notice a stone path leading into the forest and wonder what’s on the other end of the trail. I was just about to take a step closer in that direction when by chance I looked up.

      Doing a double-take, my disbelieving eyes widen as a scream of fright bubbles up from deep within but stays hooked in my throat. Under any normal circumstance, a person will probably run, maybe even scramble back in fright, but I couldn’t bring myself to do either as I stared at the encroaching thing high up in the air. The thing I’m referring to is an actual flaming dragon, and I mean it when I say there’s an actual dragon of flames descending over the roof of the castle!

My heart breaths to a stop momentarily, my mind going blank. But just when I thought the dragon was going to envelope me in a decent of flames, it stops abruptly above my head. Just an inch away from me. Releasing a quivering breath, I attempt to step back, but instead ended up passing out.

~*~*~*~

  Waking up with a groan of pain my eyes slowly blink open and I see nothing but a blur of white until everything begins to come into shape and my gaze rests on a ceiling. Slowly turning my head, I do a quick survey of them and frown when I realize I’m laying on a bed in what appears to be an infirmary. There are lines of empty beds stretched out on either side of my body, across the room is a white wooden desk with an open laptop and papers cluttered on top. 

Behind the desk are shelves resting against the wall and they seem to be filled with hospital utilities all encased within glass cabinets. Rising slowly from my position, I hold onto my head when a sudden bout of nausea and dizziness hits me. It feels like there’s a stampede of elephants pounding away in my brain and I can’t help the leak of tears that roll down my face.

      Raising a hand to wipe them away, it was then I noticed the drip connected to my wrist. I tried to remember what happened before waking up but the action only caused me more pain, and just as I’m about to get out of bed and find someone for an explanation two strangers bust into the room with panicked expressions on their faces. Upon seeing me sitting upright in bed, they both pause momentarily to sigh in relief.

     Thank God, your awake. The red-haired moans, shoulders sagging as if a weight has just been dropped off her shoulders.

     Are you alright? The male asks, taking wide steps towards my bed.

  Of course not, idiot! 

The female pushes him aside when she draws closer and I notice how identical they look. She grabs me by the neck which causes pain to flare at the back of my head, and my eyes widen in alarm when she forcefully brings it closer to hers.

 Look at me, She commands and raises 4 fingers in the air. How many am I holding up, are you dizzy or-

      Let go of her Rae! 

  At the sound of a third voice heads swivel towards the door in surprise and I slowly direct my eyes in that direction. The ache in my head getting worse by the second. You guys aren’t supposed to be here and most especially, you aren’t supposed to be manhandling my patient!

       Blinking, I wonder what the young blonde is talking about until she takes careful steps closer and the white coat she wore over clothes shifts slightly to reveal a protruding belly. Her lips are pursed in disapproval as she gazes at the one supposedly called Rae. When the realization came to me that she’s a doctor I couldn’t help but feel relief.

      The redhead let’s go abruptly and I can't help but gasp slightly with a grimace of pain, rubbing the probably bruised skin of my neck. Come on Dana, we just wanted to ensure she’s alright. We weren’t causing any harm.

       She snorted and glanced at me still holding a grimace. I beg to differ. Sighing, she drops her hands and steps closer. I need to examine my patient, both of you have to leave.

  But Dana, we-

        Huh-uh, no excuses, leave right now.

      Huffing indignantly, the redhead stomps angrily out of the room through her twin hesitates when he glances my way, he turns to the doctor with a single nod before walking out. Her narrowed eyes stay trained on the door for a couple of minutes before she turns towards me with a friendly grin. 

I take notice of her eyes in surprise and ponder on how similar they are to mine. Hi dear, I'm Dana, the Academy’s resident doctor. How are you feeling? 

      Fine, I reply coarsely, clearing my throat in discomfort. I think. Apart from the massive headache, I’m feeling okay. I shrug, immediately wincing when the action brought pain.

       Pulling aside my shirt, I frown at the small bandage covering my left shoulder. When you fainted, you kind of cut yourself on a small piece of glass on the ground. It’s not very deep so you don’t have to worry. There’s also a bump at the back of your head which explains the headache but give it a day and the swelling will go down. You had a bit of a concussion when you passed out but don’t worry, your fine now and you just need a little rest. 

I ran my hand through my hair looking for the bump and almost groan when I felt the soar spot. Pulling out a packet of painkillers from the pocket of her coat she hands it over to me and smile. Take these 2 times a day to help with your headache and by the end of the weekend you should be good.

       Thank you. I sigh in gratitude.

       Please, it's my job, you don’t need to be thankful.

       Nodding slowly, I was going to ask about what happened before I passed out when suddenly the exit doors are banged open and a large man stumbles into the room in a panic. We both stare at him in surprise as he breathes out heavily and searches the room with wide eyes, his expensive suit slightly in disarray.

 When his roaming eyes rest upon me, I’m slightly stunned by his physical appearance. He stares at me with a petrified expression, his Piaget eyes watering with emotion. He looks like he’s about to crumble any minute as he takes careful steps towards me. Uhh, hi? I mumble, not sure what else I could say.

   I-I-hmm, I had s-som-something to say but I can’t e-even- He swallows, his words nothing but incomprehensible stuttering. Uhm, I’m sorry I’m being a mess. I just wanted to say I’m your-

     Father! The doctor startles both of us by the sudden declaration, and we turn to her in surprise. Staring between the two of us with a sheepish smile she shrugs. Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

      Blinking, the word father creates a lump in my throat. That term reminds me of someone else, it had been reserved for someone very special, and to have a stranger use it about another stranger suddenly leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth. I mean coming here I’d known who I was coming to meet, but the reality of it didn’t fully hit me until now.

 For years, as a child, I often wondered what my biological… sperm donor would look like. But seeing him in reality, my imagination is put to shame. Because I'm the female version of him. He’s another person I’ve met with a classically handsome face, and I’m not just saying this because we’re related.

 He’s quite tall at 6ft in height with a large, muscular build and his piaget eyes aren’t the only thing I inherited. I also have his auburn hair and warm beige skin tone.

       Shaking off my thoughts, I wonder how long I’ve sat staring and decided to be the first to break the tense silence. Ohm, nice to meet you. I’m Coral.

      I know. He nods, a brisk laugh slipping out of his full lips.

        I’ll be outside while you guys talk. The doctor whispers, already taking soft steps back. 

She pats his shoulder on her way and murmurs something I couldn’t quite hear before she hurries out. But as the door softly clicks closed behind her, we’re plunged into an awkward silence.

Chapter 3

   If anyone had told me a few months ago that someday on, I’ll be sitting in my biological father’s office, drinking lemon-scented tea whilst basking in another bout of awkward silence, I’d have the person committed into a mental institution. After I laughed in their faces of course.  

I gently settle my steaming cup of tea on the mahogany desk separating the both of us, there’s a glass nameplate with the words Dean Steven Carter written in bold letters. 

    Sighing, I study the old black and white picture of the school on the wall across from us. The painkillers I’d taken with the tea thankfully seems to be kicking in so my head isn’t aching as much anymore. Looking around another picture catches my attention, it's of a smiling older man who stands in front of the academy’s clock tower with a cane in one hand and a scowling boy in the other, the boy looks to be 15-16 years old and when upon closer look I caught a hint of a tattoo on his wrist. Sitting forward, I squint my eyes and try to get a better look at what it was when he finally decided to talk.  

    How- I glance his way and