Prophecy

Chapter 46: Weapons

*Grace's POV*

Sitting at the long, intricately decorated wooden table with my family, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace in my soul. The smell of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet fruit filled the air, but it was the sight of Xavia beside me, laughing and talking with everyone, that held my attention. As I watched her, I couldn't help but replay the events of earlier in my mind—how she had unleashed that explosion of energy and how I knew what I had to do.

At first, when I saw the raw power building inside her, I felt a surge of fear.

But more than that, I felt determined.

I knew that if I didn't act quickly, that energy could consume her or harm everyone around us. I was not going to let that happen; I had given her my word, and there was no way I was going back on it. I had no time to think, only to react, and somehow, instinctively, I knew I could contain everything she had. I realized that the best way to handle it was not to fight against her power but to, quite literally, embrace it—to take it into myself and make it part of us both.

And...

It worked!

I absorbed every ounce of energy and power she released, letting it flow into and through me until it calmed and quieted. As I did, I saw her form change, her body becoming an incredible mix of light and shadow, like she was simultaneously on both sides of a coin. It was beautiful, awe-inspiring, and I was so damn proud of her for how far she had come in such a little time.

Relinquishing one's self to another's trust is no small feat.

Xavia had evolved in ways I could have never imagined, and I was so proud of her. The way she accepted everything, even hugging Melynda, Aubrey's mother, without hesitation—she showed such refinement, such strength. If it were possible to fall even more in love with her, I did right then and there.

As we all sat together, eating and talking, I felt a deep connection to everyone around me, especially Xavia. My love for her felt boundless like it stretched beyond anything I could have ever known. It was in the little things—how she glanced at me, the way my mate smiled when she caught me staring... the loving and tender manner in which she held my hand under the table, and... the caress of Xavia's thumb as I felt her continuously brushing it against my knuckles in that soothing, familiar way.

I am irrevocably in love with this woman.

When we finished our meal, my dad stood up, signaling us to follow him. I could tell by the way we were heading that we were walking toward the blacksmith's workshop, and I had no idea why. The blacksmith was eager and ready to work when we stopped in front of the forge.

Xavia looked at me, then at God, and asked, "May I ask why we're here?"

My dad smiled, nodded, and said, "I've always planned on giving you better weaponry, something you're equipped to use and that complements your special abilities—something powerful."

Xavia and I exchanged a look, both of us curious, before turning back to him. Then, he did something that caught me off guard.

He asked, "And before we truly begin, Xavia, may I have a hug?"

Xavia turned to me, and I smiled, nodding.

Mentally, I told her, "I know you've never received a fatherly hug before, and... I think it's about time you get one, my love."

I watched as she walked over to Him, and He embraced her.

As they hugged, I saw a white, windy energy swirl around them, merging with her body, similar to when she erupted a little while ago. When they finally parted, she looked at Him, a little stunned, and asked, "What... what just happened?"