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Arlana woke up in a strange room. As she looked around she saw a woman with red blond hair staring at her anxiously. She felt disoriented. Another figure came into her line of focus. It was Lilliana looking at her with concern. “Oh I’m sorry. How long have I been sleeping?” She asked timidly.
Lilliana smiled “most of the day sleepyhead. How are you feeling?”
Arlana returned her smile. “I feel better, still confused, but better.”
“Oh I am glad to hear that!” gushed the Dona. Arlana looked at her and felt no hint of recollection for this woman. Was she really her sister? Why did she not remember anything about her? Other things had given her vague images of her past but this woman seemed foreign to her. The woman looked so anxious. Arlana could sense how much this woman wanted to be remembered by Arlana but she just had no sense of knowing her. As Lilliana and Dona Alicia stared at Arlana she began to feel a bit claustrophobic. She felt the need to go outside. She stood up and began to walk towards the door. “Am…I mean Ruth? Are you alright? Can I get you something?” Lilliana asked with concern.
Arlana smiled feebly at her. “Thank you my dear friend. Right now I need some air and some time alone. Please don’t take this the wrong way I just need to process everything.” She walked out of the room and continued through the house out the front door. She stayed in the front terrace taking deep breaths.
She looked out across the vineyard and took in the beautiful site of the setting sun. She heard a noise from the entrance of the property. She turned towards it, her heart beating fast. A man was riding up on horseback. As he drew closer she felt a need to walk towards him. It was hard to see his face in the setting sun but she knew she had to be with him. Something was pulling her towards him and she knew it was the right thing to do. He stopped and dismounted. She could see his eyes but he was several feet away. Those beautiful eyes. She had dreamt of those hazel eyes almost every night since she arrived at the winery. Could he be the one she was hoping for? She was only a few steps away when someone grabbed her from behind and pulled her back. “Amber! What are you doing? After what Antonio had done to you I would think you would be more cautious around strange men.” Lilliana said angrily. Salvatore came up behind her and walked towards the stranger. The man looked at her and she felt a desperation coming from him. She wrenched herself out of Lilliana’s grip and began walking towards the man. As the sky grew dark an anguished look covered the man’s face. A bright light flashed.