Prophecy

Chapter 39: Unconscious

*Xavia's POV*

My eyes felt heavy, as if the weight of the world was pressing down on my eyelids. I could barely keep them open; the exhaustion and pain settled deep into my bones. My body screamed for rest, to give in, but... the sounds around me anchored me to partial consciousness, if only for brief moments. Grace's warmth as she carried me was a comforting reminder of her presence. As she walked us somewhere, her soft breathing and gentle touch lulled me into a sense of safety.

Grace's voice, filled with worry and desperation, echoed in my mind, reminding me that I needed to stay awake. Her words cut through the fog like a beacon of light. "Please, Xavia, be strong for me. I need you. We're almost there, I promise. I love you with every fiber of my being. Focus on my voice, please, love... My father will help you soon. Stay somewhat conscious until then. For me. I beg of you."

I would do all I could for her.

I will listen to you, baby.

And so... I opened my eyes.

I focused on what had just happened; fragments of our recent moments flickered like shattered glass. I remembered the bright golden-white light and the way Grace's healing powers flowed into me, sharing her energy. I could feel her strength waning, her exhaustion creeping in. My mate needed to rest, but she refused to leave my side. Her voice, though strained, was a constant source of comfort for me, and I wondered if she knew how much it meant to me.

I heard several angry angels, Aubrey's voice, Grace begging for her father's help, and more walking like we were currently doing.

When I was finally placed on a flat, soft surface, I felt my mate's lips brush mine in a tender kiss. "I love you."

After that... I was in so much pain...

Pain like I had never felt before.

And...

It never ended...

I felt my mate's worry, my eyes still shut tightly, trying to let the wave of pain pass... It was so difficult; Grace's voice filled my senses, and I focused on that, just as she asked me to.

With calm words that warmed my heart, she said, "I need to tell my father what happened and figure out what it means that a Horseman was summoned. I will be back, I promise; I love you, Xavia. Your pain will cease soon. Trust me."

Right as I was convulsing and began to scream in agony, I was put into a potent, deep sleep.

~

I wasn't sure how much time had passed when I came to, but... I was feeling a little better. However, something powerful had enveloped me, a heavy, overpowering weight that left me immobile and silent. I could hear everything around me. I wasn't sure what was happening, but I was thankful my breathing was more normal, though I wasn't entirely healed yet. During this state, I continuously drifted in and out of consciousness, catching snippets of various conversations.

One voice in particular angered me to my very core...

A female angel was speaking to another, their voices filled with disdain and curiosity, "How could she be with her? Grace must be messed up in the head," one angel said, their words fueling my anger.

When I get out of here, you two will pay for saying anything against my mate.

Much to my fury, the angels continued their pathetic, unfounded rant, "A few of us were just talking about the motives of Grace and her relationship with this devil. We all know who she is and who her cursed father is. What is God thinking about allowing her to enter here without punishment? Just bringing that weakling of a human past our Gate was an act against our Lord. It was treason enough, let alone how damned and tainted Grace's soul is by allowing it to be corrupted by this devil we're helping. They don't belong here; they should be sent to Hell alone for their actions."