Prologue: Rayen

My hand clasps over my mouth as I stare at the test in my hand, tears beginning to stream down my face. I trembled at the thought of becoming a mother at seventeen years old.

What are my parents going to think when I tell them?

I stifle my sobs as I process the information that is staring me in the face. I take a shaky breath, trying to calm down as I decide what to do.

I want to keep my baby.

Once I figured out what I wanted to do, I needed to do one of the scariest things I’d ever have to do: tell my parents.

I sat in the sitting room, waiting for my parents to arrive from work, preparing myself for what I would tell them: what happened on the trip to Ireland, the pregnancy, everything.

The door opened, and I heard my parents’ laughter as they entered the home, “Rayen?” My mother called; in a shaky tone, I answered her,

“I’m in the sitting room, mother.” She and my father entered the room; seeing my distress, my mother asked,

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” I motioned for them both to sit,

“I have something I need to tell you,” I told them; they both sat down as I worked up the courage to tell them the truth. With teary eyes, I started at the beginning, “While I was in Ireland with school, I, uh,” I gulped, “I was…attacked.” I watched their reactions: Mother had her hand over her mouth, while Father looked like he was ready to kill someone.

“A-Are you okay?” She asked me. I nodded,

“I am, but” I pulled out the pregnancy test and sat it on the table for them to see. “I’m pregnant.” Father stood and looked me dead in the face,

“Are you telling us that this child is not full-blooded?” My voice lost, I nodded my reply. “Are you planning to keep it?” I nod once more, “Get out.” He demanded.

I was taken aback, “W-What?” I asked, he repeated,

“Get out.” I looked between my parents, “Get out of my house. Now.” Tears were streaming down my face,

“Why?” I asked, trembling as I spoke, “Why are you doing this?”

“You know our tribe only marries and reproduces with our people.” They weren’t giving me a choice.

I had to leave.

“Can I pack a bag, at least?” My father thought for a moment, then nodded. “Thank you.” I stood, not even looking at them, as I went to my room to pack a few pieces of clothing.

Once I had my bag, I went downstairs to see my parents standing by the door.

My father handed me some cash, “This should be enough to get you a room for a few nights, as well as food.” My mother hugs me,

“Take care of yourself, Rayen.” I nod and leave the only home I’ve ever known.

A few weeks passed, and I tried to figure out what to do. No one wants to hire a pregnant seventeen-year-old.

I sat on a park bench after being rejected for yet another job. I rubbed my ever so slightly protruding belly. The sound of a man clearing his throat interrupted my thoughts,

“Excuse me, Miss,” I whipped my eyes before seeing an older gentleman looking down at me, “May I sit with you?” I scooted over and motioned for him to sit, “Thank you.”

I sighed, my stomach grumbling. “Would you like an apple?”

“No, thank you. I’m fine.” I lied, but the man could see through me,

“Miss, I’m a lawyer; I can read people very well.” He tells me, “I’m also a parent.” I glanced down at my belly, “How far along are you?”

“I’m not sure.” I admitted, “I can’t afford to go to the doctor.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?” He handed me the apple, observing me,

“I’m seventeen.” He nodded,

“Family?” I shook my head, “What do you want to do?” I took a bite of the apple before answering,

“I want to keep it.” I sigh, “But it’s hard to keep a baby without a job.” He hummed.

After talking for a while, the gentleman asked, “May I propose an offer?” I nodded, listening attentively to what the sweet man had to say, “My son has left me with his four-year-old boy. I own a law firm, and sadly, my wife has long gone; would you be willing to come to work for me as a nanny?”

“I don’t know,” I told him, “forgive me, sir, but I don’t even know your name.” He chuckled, the realization hitting him as well,

“I apologize. My name is Franklin Woods, and you are?”

“Rayen, Rayen Kameron.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kameron.” He said as he shook my hand, “Now, about the offer.”

“Yes, what does it pay?” I asked,

“I’ll pay you a thousand dollars a week, with room and board included.” I was shocked,

“I’m sorry, but one thousand dollars per week and room and board? That’s…a lot more than I was expecting, and if I’m being honest, sounds too good to be true.” He smiled, opening the box that I had not noticed that he had; the scent of donuts hit my senses quickly.

I watched him for a moment, then took a donut that I was desperately craving, “Miss Kameron,” he said, “have you heard of ‘Woods, Attorneys at Law’?”

“It’s the largest law firm in the city.” I replied, “Everyone who is anyone in Alador City does business with Woods.” Mr. Woods chuckled,

“I’m not sure if my firm is the largest,” he stated, “but yes, we have some major clients. In fact, we were just hired by Zane Incorporated.” My jaw nearly fell to the ground. “Now then, what do you say?”

I sat there for a moment or two, pondering. I don’t have much choice if I want to keep my baby, and I don’t have much time. I can either accept his offer and live comfortably with my child or live on the streets and risk anything happening to us.

I knew what I had to do.

“When do I start?” Mr. Woods smiled and shook my hand,

“Let’s get you settled in, and then we will get you started.” I nod, and together, we leave for home.

As time passed, I truly felt like a family member!

I gave birth to a baby girl named Hailie Wynter Kameron, and she was perfect. Her skin was lightly hued, and she had red hair; it wasn’t an auburn color, nor carrot red like… Hailie was beautiful and brilliant; she’d ace any test you’d put before her.

At fourteen, I noticed her sneaking glances at young Ashton Woods. He didn’t pay her much heed, but the longing look in my daughter’s eyes made me smile, but sad as well, for he clearly doesn’t share her affection.

I just hope she’ll be cared for…when I’m gone.

I lay in bed, my body trembling. Hailie was at school, but it was only a matter of time. Mr. Woods comes into the little guesthouse Hailie, and I call home; he finds me in bed, and I can feel his heartbreak, “Raven,” he muttered, his voice cracking as he fights back the tears, “What’s wrong?” With what energy I could muster, I told him,

“I’m sick. I’ve been sick for…a long time.” Mr Woods sat beside me on the bed, holding my hand, “There was…nothing…anyone could do.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” He asked; I swallowed, tears pricking my eyes as I finally answered,

“Hailie.” He nodded his understanding, “M-Mr Woods,”

“Franklin.” He interrupted; I gave him a weak smile, squeezing his hand,

“Franklin, take care of my daughter.” I told him, “Make sure she is loved and let her follow her heart and dreams, and tell her that love will come, no matter who it is.” He nods,

“Hailie will want for nothing; you have my word.” I nodded. I looked up, a bright light shining above us,

“Do you…do you see that light?” I asked, “It’s so bright, so…beautiful…”

“Go to it, Rayen.” Franklin said, his voice becoming soft, “You’ll feel better soon; just go to the light.” I listened and entered the light, feeling nothing but happiness and relief…