Prophecy

Chapter 11: Disowned

*Xavia's POV*

When Raziel and I awoke the next day, we felt refreshed and determined to learn more about the angel. We were also excited to spend more time at the cafe. It was a nice place to hang out, and being near the angel was an added benefit. Additionally, listening to the various customers and their conversations was entertaining. It was like our own brand of research, learning how humans live their lives.

Ultimately, it would help me and my friend better understand how to survive on Earth.

This time, Raziel was in cat form, hopping from different-sized columns and ledges within the church. I was getting my boots on when a sudden piercing heat erupted inside me. The oxygen around me evaporated, and the area became hotter by the second.

Yet, something about what was happening felt familiar.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize it soon enough and couldn't escape what occurred next.

Shooting from the ground were rusted, inferno chains covered in barbed wire. Those chains had one target in mind: me. Underneath where I stood, the ground melted into liquid like lava, and then it cooled so fast that my legs were rooted into the Earth. This allowed the chains enough time to wrap around my neck and arms. What I couldn't see, but I could feel, were two additional chains tied around each foot.

I was trapped, and Raziel was terrified.

Within a matter of seconds, I would soon be forcibly dragged back to Hell, and I needed to inform my friend as quickly as possible. The chain around my neck tightened further, making speaking and concentrating very hard, but I didn't let that stop me. I pushed myself, using our mind-link, shouting, "Raziel, no, don't come any closer!" I felt terrible for mentally yelling at him, but... He was getting in the vicinity of the chains, and I didn't want him hurt or pulled in with me.

I continued before he said anything or reacted, "Keep your distance. This is my father's doing; he's dragging me back, and I don't have much time. Transform into a dog and stay by the cafe. If you were to come down with me, he would sense your soul. Then, he'd realize I was deceiving him all along."

Seeing the pain on Raziel's face hurt me, but he listened to my command. After turning into his dog form, he sat there, looking on, watching as I was yanked back into the underbelly of Hell. I heard his sad, dog-like whimpers, and it broke my heart, but no matter what, I needed him to be safe. The moment my friend tried to speak and ask me what he should do, that was it. I was pulled into the Earth, down into the depths, and landed hard on my ass right in front of my father. Sitting on his throne, he looked at me with pure disgust as I was in my human form.

He didn't even wait for me to stand up before he demanded a status report from me. All his lieutenants circled the vast room, watching; some silently snickered at me. As I got on my feet and stood at my full height, I noticed Vurrok off to the side; the look on his face told me he was stressed. If my talk with Raziel about him meant anything, then it was safe to say that my butler was worried.

Neither he nor I were prepared for the scene that was about to unfold.

No one was.

My father stood from his throne because I hadn't answered his question yet. I sensed his anger, and as he walked closer to me, he repeated his demand, "Status report. Now!"

Again, I stayed silent, causing my father to slap me across the face.

"You will do as I say, or I will break you again. Do you hear me?" He threatened, and I just stood there before him without a care in the world.