Prophecy

Chapter 28: Doubt

*Grace's POV*

Another hour passed, and panic clawed at my chest like a relentless beast. Raziel still hadn't returned, and the uncertainty was affecting me more. I could feel my time running out, a tangible sense of my end approaching. But it wasn't my life that mattered—it was Xavia's. Her safety, her well-being—that was everything to me.

The door swung open, and Aubrey returned from searching our homes. Desperation gave me the strength to try and stand, but my legs buckled, and I collapsed to the floor, landing on my knees.

"Please, tell me you found her," I pleaded, my voice trembling with fear and exhaustion.

Aubrey rushed to my side, helping and guiding me back into the chair. As I looked into her eyes, I saw the depth of her concern, the guilt still lingering from our earlier confrontation.

"Aubrey, it's okay..." I began, but she cut me off.

"No, Grace... it's not. I yelled at you, and... just look at you... you're dying. You might be saving face and making it not seem bad... but I see you. You need to find her," Rey explained, and her voice wavered; tears were already sliding down her cheeks, and I felt terrible for my friend.

Before I could say anything, the door swung open again.

Raziel ran inside, his expression grave.

"I've found her!" He said, urgency in his voice, "But... she won't listen to me. She's too far gone. Grace, she's not okay. I'm afraid she will remove the trinket and return to her father..."

No, I can't allow that to happen.

Dread settled deep within me.

"If she goes back, he will kill her," I stated, looking directly at him to see Raziel nod, agreeing with me.

I felt a renewed sense of strength despite the pain tearing through me. I knew I had to reach Xavia. If she went to her father, all would be lost... for everyone. She was my mate, my other half, and without her, I was nothing. My determination surged, fueled by the love I felt for her.

I had to save Xavia, no matter what it took.

"Let's go," I declared, but as soon as the words left my lips, an immense pain seized my heart, like a thousand knives piercing the organ.

I screamed, clutching my chest, the agony too overwhelming. My legs gave out again, and I fell to the floor, my fist slamming into the ground to break my fall. The pain was relentless, tearing through me, and I could barely breathe. Desperation and fear mixed with the physical torment, but... the thought of Xavia kept me clinging to consciousness.

I willed myself to endure for her sake.

Aubrey and Raziel ran to my side and helped me back up into a standing position.

Then he told me, "You are in no condition to fly, Grace."

"I know, I can barely stand anymore as it is," I replied, feeling so worthless.

Raziel turned to Aubrey, his eyes narrowing in immense concentration. Suddenly, a swirl of ethereal energy enveloped each of my friends, shimmering with a bizarre light. I watched, shocked, as the energy circled them, forging what appeared to be a new connection of sorts. When he spoke to the both of us, he actually addressed Aubrey for the first time.

I was dumbfounded and in awe.

"Aubrey, we need to get to the roof of their apartment," Raziel said, turning to Rey, and he allowed me to hear what he was saying, too, as if he was speaking in my mind as well. Then he added, "It's the only way. I need to change into my dragon form and fly us to Xavia."