Prophecy

Chapter 61: Shade

*Xavia's POV*

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground, I watched Grace finish her work. She moved with quiet efficiency, her every motion deliberate as she wiped down tables and put away the last of the dishes. The dim golden light of the setting sun that filtered through the windows bathed her in a warm glow, making her look almost ethereal. Markus, the cook, was busy with everything he had to do and eventually locked the door.

Cook paused to offer a kind smile and a few parting words before heading out, leaving us alone in the quiet evening.

I waited patiently as Grace exchanged a few final words with Markus, her voice low and soothing. The odd coolness of the evening air wrapped around us, a gentle reminder of the night ahead. There was a gloomy calmness in the air, a stillness that seemed to settle against my skin, but I could feel the anticipation building beneath it all.

The night was ours, and with it came the promise of something new that would test the limits of what I knew.

It's been a long time since I've been taught and trained.

When Grace finally joined me, she wore a beautiful, soft smile, and we began our walk toward the mountain where we had trained the night before. Since we were earlier than the day prior, we decided to fly near the area but finish off with a casual walk to enjoy the scenery. I could feel her excitement; she was ready to watch me train. I absolutely adored having her eyes on me; it didn't matter what I was doing.

The air was dense with the scent of earth and pine, a familiar fragrance that always grounded me. As we stepped onto the path leading into the thick woods, I looked at the trees that towered above us. Their branches intertwined like the arms of ancient guardians, sheltering us from the outside world. Their silent watchfulness added an almost sacred feeling to our journey, as if they were witnessing something important.

Each step we took stirred the fallen leaves beneath our feet, their soft rustling blending with the occasional call of a distant bird. The forest was alive, yet it felt like it held its breath, waiting for something to unfold. As we ventured deeper into the woods, the shadows grew longer, stretching across the path like fingers reaching out to pull us further into the unknown. The cool evening air brushed against my skin, a gentle reminder that we were nearing the heart of the forest, and after, the mountain would emerge into view.

Gradually, the trees began to thin out, their once-dense trunks giving way to the imminent presence of the mountain ahead. It rose above us, its jagged peaks shrouded in mist, a silent sentinel guarding the secrets within. The sight of it sent a thrill through me, a reminder of the knowledge and challenges we had faced there and the ones that awaited us tonight.

"I really enjoyed this walk together, baby," I said to my mate as we continued our path, and she smiled radiantly at me.

"Me too, love. It was... perfect, and now, I get to watch you, and I am excited about that," Grace admitted cheekily, and I nodded.

When we arrived at the epicenter of the training area, my gaze immediately fell upon two figures—Zechariah and his mate, Shade. They stood near the entrance, their forms bathed in dusk's soft, fading light. Their expressions, etched with wisdom and experience, greeted us with respectful nods as we approached.

Shade, my mentor, had that familiar look of readiness in his eyes, the kind that always made my heart quicken with anticipation. He was always one to observe his surroundings constantly. I knew he was prepared to guide me through whatever new challenge awaited. Tonight would be a test—a test that would push me further into the unknown. As the last rays of sunlight vanished beyond the horizon, I felt a tranquil resolve settle within me.