Chapter 1
Daniel
One Year Ago
“Brother, welcome back.” Carter says greeting me, just outside his estate. I step out of the back of his black town-car and take a look around, remembering the last time I had been this far East.
It had been so long. Years in fact; since I had visited Carter and he knew the only reason I was here now was to escape the heartache I left back home.
The proof written all over his face as he approaches me.
“How was your trip?” he asks, trying to make small talk. “I know things probably look a little different and it’s been so long since you crossed the mountains.” He snaps his fingers, and a short man with thick black hair appears beside him. “Take my brothers things up to his wing, he will require a full-time staff.” Carter, snaps his fingers again and the man disappears as quickly as he arrived. “Come on in.”
“The drive was fine.” I say, following Carter into the estate.
I remember the drive in, the trees around the estate had thickened since the last time I was here. The fountain that once sat proudly in front of the estate had been removed, replaced by what looked to be a bed of white roses. Carter’s favorite flower.
“Come on, I know you love the smell of the pine.” He jabs me in the ribs, “And nothing beats a nice run through the trees when you need to clear your mind.” He adds pointing out a set of French doors leading out to the terrace. “The estate is completely surrounded with guards around the entire perimeter, for miles. So, feel free to use the grounds however you see fit.” He continues attempting to lift my spirits.
I nod and head in the direction the man had just went with my things. Eager to slip into a deep sleep, away from the prying eyes of my brother and his insistent attempts to cheer me up. I just needed to get away. Somewhere I could forget the last twenty-four hours ever happened.
“I’m trying, Daniel.” He states, as I stop on the stairs leading up to the second floor. “I want to help you through this.”
Deep down, I know Carter means well. He was my oldest brother after all, and even though I know he didn’t understand exactly, he had heard more than rumors about the subject. He knew how bad things could get for me if I were to settle into that dark place, he had seen me in more than once.
“I know.” I say, as I nod and continue walking up the stairs; without looking back.
