Prophecy

Chapter 29: Apology

*Xavia's POV*

My memories were like broken glass, each shard reflecting moments of my suffering. I could only recall fragments, but the pain and confusion were all-consuming, regardless. My emotions were a chaotic whirlwind; my energy levels spiked uncontrollably, making me feel like I was on the verge of breaking apart entirely.

I knew what was coming...

I vaguely remembered seeing Grace, a brief glimpse that felt more like a dream than a possible reality. Amidst the turmoil inside me, I suddenly felt warmth, a foreign sensation in my state of despair. Golden-fiery eyes met mine, filled with fierce love and determination that cut through the fog clouding my mind. Grace's forehead pressed against mine, and with that simple touch, visions began to flood my mind.

I saw someone knocking her out and drugging her. Then, when she awoke from that state. There was desperation in her eyes as she frantically searched for me after what happened between me and the one who merely looked like my mate.

The clarity of these visions was sharp and undeniable, slicing through the confusion and revealing a painful truth. As these memories and emotions collided, I felt familiar lips against mine. That touch, so urgent and full of love, was something I knew intimately. Despite the residual agony and fear, I couldn't help but kiss back with everything I had.

It was the only person I wanted to kiss for the rest of my existence.

My mate's lips against mine were a lifeline, a rope pulling me back from the edge of the abyss that consumed me. It spoke of desperation, longing, and an unyielding love that refused to let go. It was becoming clear again that my mate wouldn't lose me without a fight. The warmth of Grace's kiss began to melt the ice encasing my heart, and... for the first time in what felt like an eternity, a flicker of hope ignited within me.

Unfortunately, our kiss ended way too soon. When I realized why, it nearly killed me. I really looked at Grace, and... she wasn't okay. She suddenly slumped over lifelessly against me. I gently yet urgently laid her down on the ground and tried my best not to panic.

I cradled Grace's face in my hands, my fingers trembling.

I should have known that wasn't her... Grace wouldn't have spoken to me that way... wouldn't have been so cruel or kissed another in front of me... I guess I was always so scared of everything she mentioned coming true that I believed it so easily... I was so wrong...

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking under my guilt and fear.

Her eyes slowly fluttered open, but it looked like just doing that was so hard to do. Grace looked at me with a depth of love that almost undid me.

Her voice was weak but filled with conviction as she murmured, "I'm so... glad I got to you in time. You're going to be okay, my mate. I love you... so much... Xavia..."

Grace's eyes closed again, and panic seized me as I took in her condition. She looked drained, tortured beyond comprehension.

Raziel moved closer, his expression grave.

"You have to help her," he urged, and utter desperation laced his voice that rang through my mind.

"I don't know what to do," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Remember when I was severely hurt? I needed blood, your blood, to be exact. It healed me instantly. You have to try, Xavy," He explained, doing all he could to help the situation.

He's right.

I remember that.

"I'll try anything. I can't lose her." My voice was resolute, fueled by the fear of losing my mate.