Prophecy

Chapter 53: Cold

*Xavia's POV*

A few days had passed since my family and I hung out at home. I was now huddled at my usual table in Aubrey's restaurant, my hands wrapped around a cup of steaming coffee. The world outside seemed to be succumbing to a relentless chill. The icy air seeped through the windows and gnawed at me, making my bones ache with the cold atmosphere.

The weather was spiraling into an unprecedented freeze, an anomaly that left the locals in a state of panic and disbelief. Snow, a rare phenomenon in this region, had become a frequent visitor, and the temperature had plunged to almost unbearable levels for most living creatures.

Though warmer than outside, the aura inside the restaurant couldn't entirely shield me from the biting cold. I could see the anxiety in the eyes of the patrons as they shivered despite the layers of clothing they wore. I thought back to the bizarre reports I had seen—places once cold were melting, and weather patterns worldwide were in complete disarray.

Earth seemed to be spinning into chaos, with unseasonable warmth followed by sudden, harsh cold spells.

It was like the very essence of the scheduled seasons was ruined.

Raziel was spending time with my mate, which gave me a small smile. I imagined him tagging along with Grace as she worked, perhaps with a playful intention of sneaking some extra food and drinks. It was endearing to think of Raziel's antics, and I was warmed by the thought that he cared for Grace just as much as I did. It was a comforting reminder of how our little family was bound by affection and shared moments.

As I thought about this, Grace emerged from the back with a steaming cup; the aromatic scent of something both hot and sweet filled the air. Her eyes softened when she saw me, and she made her way over with a determined stride.

"Here you go, love," she said, handing me the cup, and I looked into her eyes as she continued, "It's hot chocolate. I was hoping it would help you warm up some... I hate that you're so cold and can't help you warm up since I am working today."

I took the cup with a grateful smile, my fingers savoring the warmth of the mug as I replied, "You didn't have to go out of your way, baby. That was really nice of you. I just don't know why this weather is affecting me so much right now."

Grace leaned in, her lips brushing against my ear as she whispered, sending a delightful shiver down my spine, "Perhaps living down there for so long has something to do with it, my beautiful Nephalem devil."

I looked into her eyes, my heart swelling with love and appreciation, "I love you so much, Grace."

Her radiant smile was like a beacon of light, warming me even amidst the cold, and... her following action warmed me further. My mate pressed a tender, loving kiss to my lips, and I reciprocated it happily.

The kiss was gentle, full of affection, but before it could deepen, she pulled away, saying, "I have to get back; there are more orders that are ready that I have to give out."

"I know; I'll be enjoying every moment of it, too," I replied, my gaze lingering on her with warmth.

"Mhmm. I can always feel your eyes on me, and ever since we—" Grace paused and touched her mark, causing a tingling sensation that made me gulp, "I can feel it more now."

My mate turned to head back to work, and I watched her with admiration and concern. The intense weather changes scared me a little. It meant that my father was getting too powerful, and at some point soon, we would have to fight him... Regardless, it was hard to ignore the sense of unease that seemed to be growing.