Prey: protectors of Arrasia, book 1

Chapter 9

If Arianna was honest with herself she had hoped to never see Cassie again. That damn Rezzeion had to go and ruin everything. She hadn't meant to hurt Celestia. Really she hadn't. It all started with a promise, unrequited love, and her father.

The year was 2009. Things were good back then. They actually made sense. Arianna was a Protector, one of the best, and the best friend to the future leader of the squad. She had everything. She was going to make a difference in the world. She had even, by some miracle,managed to keep her blackouts a secret. At least until the night she researched Variants. She confronted her dad about her blackouts, her dark urges. And her father told her what she was. She had gotten so angry. The rest of the squad was on a mission. Celestia had been alone. She hadn't even seen Arianna coming. The shadows had concealed her well. When Arianna snapped out of it, it was too late. Celestia took her hand and made her promise to never hurt Cassie. Her little sister was all she'd been worried about. Cassie had walked in to see 2 angels carrying her big sister away. Cassie had flipped out. Arianna had ran. She knew Celestia was keeper and guardian of Heaven's flame now. Arianna knew God had offered her a place of honor in the fields of Paradise, but Celestia could not leave her family and guarding the sacred fire meant that she could watch over them. But her former best friend had never forgotten or forgiven her. A knock on the window jolted Arianna out of her thoughts.
Cassie ran into the room just as the window opened and a brilliant light shown through. A chariot pulled by four gold dragons hovered outside the window. Lord Hayaus greeted his daughter with a salute and a mischievous smile. Cassie saluted him back.
"God, our most holy father, has decided that all of my children should be together during these troubled times. I have a surprise for you, my daughter."
Celestia stepped to their father's side. "Your brother told me that you weren't sure if you were ready, that you had doubts about being the leader our people need. Your sister heard his prayers for you. The guardians of the Flame will aid God's children in their time of need."
Lord Hayaus could no longer contain his smile. Arianna saw his eyes fill with tears of joy as his little girl ran to her sister and Celestia pulled her close. "Tia!!" She cried.
The Achievers howled with joy for their leader. "I missed you so much, little sis."
Celestia tasseled her little sister's hair. Cassie smiled up at her. "I missed you too!!!"
Jerico ran into the room. "Oh hey, Tia," he said with a grin. Celestia caught Arianna's eye. "I hope you feel ready, my children?"
"Yes sir."
Lord Hayaus grew serious again."
"Good. Because Tyry has fallen. Our father has decided that he has no choice. He has declared war against Rezzeion."
Cassie straightened. Celestia took her hand. "We will find him, father. We will make you proud."
"That's my girl."
He turned away and disappeared, leaving the chariot.