Face your fears

The sky had become overcast, and Leon led me to the balcony of the castle. He made me stand by the balustrade of the balcony, and Leon stood within five feet of me. “Third lesson: facing your fear!” Leon's tone grew stern. He pointed behind me and said, “Jump!” “What?” I was shocked and asked, “Are you serious? It was at least a hundred feet from the ground. If I jump, I’ll die!” “I said, jump!” Leon had an alpha tone on me. I backed away in fear, the guardrail up to my waist. Leon approached me one step at a time. His face was expressionless, his eyes cold. “No, don’t push me! Please don’t!” My prayers, however, had no effect on Leon; there was no pity or sympathy in his eyes. I opened my eyes wide and looked at the man who had come face to face with me. He gave me a cruel smile. Suddenly he put out his hands and gave me a hard shove. I was stunned and my body was falling fast. Darkness closed in around me, and I felt hopeless. I thought I was going to die. My inner terror, however, l