Prophecy

Chapter 7: Murderer

*Xavia's POV*

Blood.

All I saw was blood and so much of it.

I stood in the middle of my bedroom and watched as the crimson liquid drained from the young girl's throat. I felt terrible for having murdered her, but... she would have died regardless. The injuries she sustained were far too severe. At one point, Raziel even said that if I had somehow been able to get her treatment, the extent of the trauma she endured was irreversible.

I know he's right.

What truly made me feel awful was when she reached out for my hand, needing comfort in her final breaths of life.

After she passed, I set out to find Vurrok, hoping he would help me get rid of her body. Fortunately, I saw him lounging in the dining room, taking a few minutes to feed himself. Upon entering, he looked my way and said, "Princess, I'm surprised to see you out and about, especially when I'd think you'd be having fun with the human our king gave you."

"You're right. However, she said something that angered me, and I slit her throat," I simply replied, though he didn't seem to accept my answer.

"I see..." Vurrok said, and he paused while standing up. Then he walked toward the door and continued, "That won't do... His majesty won't be satisfied with anything resembling a mercy killing."

"I understand. Do what you think is best," I ordered, and he nodded.

However, before heading to my room, he added, "Stay here; I'll be back when I am done, and we can go over the story your father will accept and rave about."

Without saying another word to Vurrok, I grabbed a plate of food and sat in my usual spot. I ate while handing some to Raziel when it was safe from the random demonic servants doing their chores.

When our butler returned three hours later, we reviewed his fabricated story. He told me I should remain in the castle tomorrow and train for my assignment. I learned my father didn't want me to leave the grounds before my upcoming mission.

I'm happy to relax and spend time with my new friend.

~

Twenty-four hours had passed, and during that time, Raziel and I stayed in my room, carefully practicing our powers with each other. I had genuinely concluded that he was more than a shapeshifter. Either way, seeing how quickly he could shift into another form still amazed me. I could only show Razy a few hidden talents at a time to keep my magical energy private. We bonded, which, in turn, allowed us to fully trust each other.

~

On the day of my mission, I awoke to a knock on my bedroom door, followed by, "Princess?"

I quickly readied myself and opened the door, allowing Vurrok to enter. As I stood before him, I said, "Yes?"

"Princess, I've been instructed to tell you to meet your father in the Throne room in an hour. He wanted to speak with you before you leave on your crucial assignment," Vurrok explained, and I nodded.

"Very well, thank you, Rok," I replied, not realizing that I had given him a nickname and actually said it aloud.

"Rok?" He questioned with a quizzical expression across his visage.

"I apologize; forgive me... I wasn't thinking," I quickly responded, but he actually shook his head, somewhat amused.

"It's okay, I like it. It'll be our little secret... Xavia..." Vurrok replied, finally saying my real name instead of calling me by that ridiculous title my entire life.