Ariana's Father

Ariana caressed the miniature gargoyle then gently set it down on the windowsill. She stared out the window towards the dark forest. The brightness of the valley made it impossible to see anything past the tree line. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of her home, but she wouldn't let them fall. Her dad wanted her to be brave and strong. She smelled Matthew's cologne but stubbornly refused to turn around. He knocked on the open door of her bedroom. Ha! No matter how comfortable the bed felt or how well her new clothes fit, this would never be her home.

"Dinner," Matthew said when she didn't respond.

Ariana ignored him. He moved beside her. She tensed but managed to stop the flinch when he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Matthew followed her line of vision. He sighed. "The forest is dangerous. I know you miss your parents, but you're safer here. Come. It's time to eat."

"You think he's dead. He's not. My daddy will come for me and you'll be in trouble."

Matthew frowned. "I hope you're right," he whispered. He knelt down and turned her to face him, taking her hands in his own. She met his kind eyes with a piercing glare. "We have people patrolling the border. If they find your father, they will bring him here. I promise."

When she continued her wordless glare, he sighed again. Matthew rose to his feet and brushed a hand through her hair. He guided her downstairs and into the empty seat across from his wife, Alyssa. His oldest son gave her a wide smile. Ariana frowned in return but at least she didn't glare at Brian like she did Matthew.

"We're having chicken and rice for dinner," the younger boy said.

Ariana's head jerked around to stare at him, her expression blank.

"Do you like chicken and rice?" He continued without pausing long enough for Ariana to answer. "I'm Timmy and that's Brian," he said pointing to his brother. "What's your name? Are you gonna stay here fo'ever? I turned six last week. We had a cake and all my friends came and played games. How old are you?"

Ariana's lips twitched into a smile before she caught herself.

"Let her breath, Tim." Alyssa reprimanded him. "It's Ariana, right?"

She nodded and ducked her head. "I'm seven," she muttered.

"We are very happy for you to share our home."

Ariana glared again. "This isn't my home."

Alyssa's smile froze on her face and her eyes filled with sorrow. She glanced at her husband, but he just shook his head. Alyssa changed the subject, taking the hands of her husband and oldest son and bowing their heads to thank the gods for the gifts in their lives. Ariana refused to hold their hands while they prayed. They tried to include her in their conversation, as they made plans for the next day. She ignored them and pushed her food around on her plate, only occasionally responding to the youngest boy. Eventually, they let her return to her prison to stare longingly out the window.

Ariana watched the sunset, the anticipation making her vibrate in place. Before the twilight faded into the dark, storm clouds rolled over the valley. Ariana picked up her stone carving and ran downstairs. She tried to be quiet but, in her haste, she alerted Matthew and Alyssa. They called out. She ignored her foster family and threw the door open. She ran out into the night. She froze a few feet from the door as screams filled the valley. Massive, winged monsters swarmed the village. Residents of the valley ran out of their houses, defending them with spears and bows. Some threw rocks at the creatures invading their land. Ariana tilted her head back and raised her arms. Matthew and Alyssa ran out behind her a moment too late. A gargoyle landed in their yard with a thunderous roar. He blocked their path to the child. Matthew shot an arrow, his eyes widening in horror when the beast caught it and tossed it to the side. The monster let out another roar. Matthew dropped his bow and attempted to shield his wife with his body. The creature turned his back on the couple, scooped Ariana up, and launched himself back in the air.

Ariana snuggled close, laughing at the rushing wind. She knew her daddy would come for her.