Prophecy

Chapter 69: Taken

*Grace's POV*

Not too long after Raziel asked the question, which Xavia answered, saying that her father would rise next, everything suddenly... changed. The night sky, which seemed to stay dark maroon for a while, was now brightening into an ominous, deep, blood-red hue. It was as if the actual blood of the damned had lifted from the bowels of Hell itself and risen above. The moon was altered, the stars gone, and the world... hinted at what was coming.

Or rather...

Who was coming...

My heart raced as I watched the world around us twist. Deep, vibrant crimson was bleeding through the clouds, casting a foreboding light on the Earth below. I glanced at my family, and we seemed to hold our breath at that moment—an eerie silence preceded the chaos that was about to unfold.

I felt Xavia's heart race, matching my own.

Out of nowhere, a deafening cacophony of screams erupted from the streets below, piercing the air with an unmistakable sense of panic. The city had descended into disarray, people running frantically for their lives. I could feel it... each one of us could feel it... the dread creeping over everyone, suffocating all, as if the Devil's malevolent influence was tightening around every soul that existed.

My thoughts raced, trying to make sense of the terror that had been unleashed, but deep down... I knew there was no escaping it... This was the end... if my mate and I couldn't save it.

The Prophecy had come to pass.

The chaos happened so fast—faster than any of the Horseman's rise; it was very terrifying. I had felt a surge of confidence, even if I was still slightly afraid, but... I was ready for those Archdemons... However, something about Xavia's father—the Devil—rising had terrified me more than ever.

I closed my eyes.

I needed to center myself.

Even with the screams, the ground trembling beneath my feet, a plethora of deaths as the Earth below them split in half... I needed a few moments... I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to look at my mate. I knew she was scared; our training sessions, battles, and everything would need to be at the forefront of our minds. After she and I exchanged a glance, I could tell she was as ready as she would ever be.

"Aubrey, go check and see about the humans below. Raz, join her... He's... He's here... Be on your guard." Xavia vocalized.

Hearing those words sent a shiver down my spine.

Just as our friends were doing as they were told, the Devil arrived, knocking us off the edge of the building, but... not before his long, slithery serpentine tail wrapped tightly around my neck. I struggled, gasping for breath, but his grip tightened more and more. It was like my life was hanging by a fine thread—my bones were straining under the pressure, too...

I looked at my family; they were all scared...

Especially Xavia...

But as soon as I thought my neck would be crushed, the Devil seemingly stopped adding more pressure. Thankfully, I was somewhat able to breathe more, and I took as much oxygen as I possibly could before he resumed whatever he had planned to do to me.

It was clear...

I was the intended target; I understood why, too...

He wanted to catch Xavia off-guard, split us up, and hurt her the most.

I'm sure he's hoping for us to make a mistake that will give him the upper hand. We are the only ones left to end his reign... I am positive he knows that, too. In fact, I think he knew more than he ever let on. Cunning, right? That's what he's good at, but... he's not us. I don't know what he has in store for me, though it doesn't matter. Together, I know Xavia and I can save the world, and we will.