Prophecy

Chapter 6: Assignment

*Xavia's POV*

As I descended from the sky, a sudden sharp sensation pierced my heart, making it ache severely. I was a few feet from home when I landed on the ground more abruptly than I originally planned. I had no idea what happened or why I was feeling such pain in my chest.

When I phased away my dragon wings, Raziel quickly asked, "Are you okay?"

I had to take a few slow, deep breaths to get a hold of myself while answering him telepathically, "Yeah, I think so... I don't know what that was, but I feel as though my heart was torn in half."

"I felt it, too. I'm glad you're okay," Raziel commented. It made me smile to know he cared about my well-being even after just meeting each other.

It must be our bond.

"As much as I would like to try to figure this out, we, unfortunately, don't have the time or luxury. I have to get inside and meet my father for dinner before it gets even later than it is," I replied, and I knew Raziel would understand.

With haste, I stepped forward.

The moment I opened the door, Vurrok stood, apparently waiting for my return. With a low voice to prevent his words from traveling beyond the room, he stated, "You've been gone a mighty long time. I had to inform his majesty that you were sent on a mission to kill one of my lesser demons who failed me. Otherwise, you'd be caught... and you, of all people, know what he will do if you defy him, Princess."

"I know. I'm sorry I lost track of time. I'll do my best not to put either of us in this situation again," I responded, sounding as honest as I possibly could.

With a nod and a slight bow, Vurrok said, "Of course. He's expecting you for dinner. Be ready in twenty minutes."

"So, who's that guy?" Asked Raziel after the demon had left us.

As I walked toward my bed chambers, I gave my friend more insight into the demon he had just met, "Vurrok has been the butler for my father since long before I was born. Growing up, I noticed he would do small things to help me, though I never asked for help. I wasn't sure what his intentions were, and I still don't know them today. If he got caught, he'd most likely be tortured and killed for his actions. I don't consider him a friend, but... he is kinder than the other demons under my father's rule. Only time will tell where his true allegiance lies."

"I see. Treading lightly, in general, seems to be the best way to stay safe around here," The snake tattoo replied, and he was absolutely correct.

Once I reached my room, I placed my right hand on the pedestal stand, which unlocked the door. Upon entering, I sat on my bed for a few seconds and heard Raziel in my head, saying, "That was close; I'm glad we made it back in time."

"Me, too, Raz, me too," I responded as I fell backward, lying on my back to relax.

For the next few minutes, I was able to rest, which I wouldn't take for granted. I did everything in my power to not hear the torment coming from the humans my father had in his room...

Unfortunately, I couldn't block their wailing cries; four girls were being held against their will this time.

One was praying for death. The slow, labored breathing of another means she's unconscious. The third female was violently crying, while the last one... who my father is raping, is begging him to stop over and over again as she cried out for her mother.

"Xavia... what is he doing... wait...he's not..." Raziel spoke after he heard the same sounds I had.

"This is what it's like here every night; my father loves to torture people before dinner—preferably females... He likes to say that it enlarges his already huge appetite... If I'm honest, this sickens me to my core because he does it to people who truly don't deserve it." I commented.