Prophecy

Chapter 51: Memories

*Xavia's POV*

When I awoke, the first thing that came to mind was the sheer beauty of the moment Grace and I had shared just hours before. The way we solidified our bond, making it permanent, was everything I never knew I needed and wanted in my life. The memories of our marking ritual were as vivid as ever; it felt like a constant lingering dream—a perfect memory. The sensation of Grace's teeth sinking into my neck, igniting a fierce, intoxicating rush of raw emotion, was unlike anything I had ever known. I could still feel the echo of that intense bond, an overwhelming surge that had driven me to the edge of surrender.

My mate's blood was nothing short of divine.

Though I wasn't a vampyre, I could almost understand their reverence for blood, for it was more than mere sustenance—it was a profound, sacred link. As I drank from her, I tasted my own blood; it mingled together. The marking ritual was more than just a symbolic act... It was a binding of our very essence. It was a rare phenomenon that transcended us, merging the blood of souls into a singular, extraordinary entity, yet only for a brief moment.

Deep in my heart, I realized that brief moment was confined to the ritual itself. Yet, I was utterly at peace with it. The task was completed, and for as long as I drew breath, I was entirely hers. The profoundness of it all was beyond magical—it was as if we had channeled something ancient and otherworldly, entwined with the very fabric of existence.

If I drink from her now, she'd only taste like my Grace, and vice versa. I never thought a ritual could be so powerful. We aren't specifically magical, not like witches and wizards, but... it was as if we were able to channel something otherworldly and ancient—tied to the fabric of life itself, and—

As I was immersed in these thoughts, Raziel's voice resonated within my mind.

It was a gentle intrusion that felt more like a familiar comfort, "I'm sorry to bother you. I feel you're awake now, and I have to ask... What happened? Even from this distance, I sense something has changed with you and Grace."

I welcomed his presence with a warmth that matched the joy in my heart, "I'm happy to hear from you, and you know you don't have to apologize, Razy. We, um... yeah... we—Grace and I—marked each other a few hours ago."

Raziel's response was immediate, filled with an awe that honestly mirrored my own, "Wow, you did—that's what it is. You two are truly bonded; it's so clear that I don't have to be near you to see it. I know about the marking ritual... Each species has its own, and if there were another creature like me, we would do it too."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy at his words as I replied, "I'm sorry you don't have a mate, Raz... I wish you could."

My friend's words were comforting, devoid of any trace of bitterness or sadness.

He said, "Please, don't feel bad. It's okay, really. I mean, I'm never alone. I have a family, and I feel whole. I don't feel like I'm missing anything. That's what it felt like with you, right? When you were close but far from Grace before you spoke to her, and things came to light that you were mates."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me, "Yeah, it was like something was missing; my heart wasn't whole, and it hurt at times, too."

Raziel's words were steady and reassuring, comforting me, as he confirmed, "Then I should be fine because I have never felt that since I was created."

I still sought confirmation and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Without a doubt," he affirmed without hesitation.