Free Arianna Rose: The Arrival (Part 4) by Jennifer Martucci, Christopher Martucci Page A

prophecy.  We had faith in you, but had to be sure before we allowed you to come here.  Now that we know, now that we can feel what you are, our lives are yours and we will give them to protect you.”
    Tears burned the back of Arianna’s eyelids.  “Why, why would you do that ?” she asked in a small voice that trembled. 
    “Because you are the Sola,” he said.  His words curled like ribbons of silken truth, enveloping her heart and binding it with their integrity.  “You are the savior of our kind.”
    Her posture straightened and goose bumps arose.  She tilted her head and gazed at the man before her.  “I do not deserve your loyalty, but I am grateful for it.”
    Briathos held her gaze as if trying to communicate a psychic message.  She did not he ar his words, but she felt something, felt an inexplicable devotion radiating from him. 
    “Come, please,” he said and gently pulled her.  “You will stay here with us.  Leo, Ramiel, Sorath,” he called.  Ramiel joined, followed by Leo, a man true to his name with a mane of golden hair and bronze skin, and Sorath, a man with jet-black hair and wide, almond-shaped eyes.  “They are at your disposal, as am I.”
    “Thank you,” she fumbled. 
    “Will you join us in the main house?” he asked and she assumed he referred to the palatial log home they’d seen when they’d arrived. 
    “Oh I don’t want to impose,” she started.
    “Nonsense.  You are not an imposition.  But if you prefer privacy, then I am afraid a cabin is all I have to offer you.”
    It was as if he’d read her thoughts.  She did want privacy.  She needed time with just Desmond to process all that was happening.  “A cabin will be fine.  Thank you,” she said. 
    “Very well, then.  But please, join us for meals.  I insist,” Briathos persisted. 

Arianna shrugged.  Seeing no other choice, she accepted his offer.  “Um, okay.  Thank you,” was all she could come up with.
    “Splendid,” he said with a grin and clapped his hands in front of him.  “I will see to it that you are settled into a cabin and send someone for you before breakfast.”
    A group of younger, serious looking warlocks approached and ushered her away from the clearing.  Desmond walked beside her and slid his hand into hers.  All the while her pulse raced and her temples pounded.  Her mind reeled with question upon question.  What was happening?  Why had these people bowed to her as if she were royalty?  Why had Agnon and the coven from Hallowed Hills believed her to be the harbinger of humanity’s apocalypse?  Why were so many versions of her prophecy circulating among their kind?  Too many questions multiplied in her head, one giving birth to the next, with each step she took. 
    The ground below her feet felt sodden, though puddles did not dot the path, just an odd mustard-colored moss that had become more prevalent on this new trail and an abundance of needle-shaped leaves.  Desmond, as if intuiting her inner turmoil, gave her hand a gentle squeeze.  Their fingers became entwined as they followed the young warriors and made their way to an area behind the log home where a series of cabins had been built. 
    After being given a tour of the tiny, one-bedroom space, Arianna watched as the ir chaperones left.  As soon as the last of them left, Arianna turned to Desmond. 
    “Can you please explain to me what all of this is about?” she asked calmly.  She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.  “Why are these people treating me like I’m some sort of…I don’t know…goddess or something?”
    “You are the Sola.  In some ways, you are a goddess,” Desmond answered.  His face was the embodiment of serenity as always.  Arianna wondered how he managed to always remain so composed, so peaceful.  Especially now when she felt so frustrated and confused she feared her head capable of popping right off her shoulders. 
    “I can’t keep track of all the