Prophecy

Chapter 71: Torture

*Xavia's POV*

I probably stood by the door for much longer than I initially expected to... I wasn't sure why I felt a little on edge, even though I was very curious to find out who stood behind the blocked path before me. If I were to guess why I felt that way, it had to be how everything seemed to unfold today.

My family returns, we train, the Earth plummets into chaos, my father kidnaps Grace, and then... out of nowhere... there's a fucking knock at my door at the exact moment when I am about to create a portal to take us to Hell...?

I can't make this shit up even if I tried.

That kind of coincidence has only happened in movies Aubrey thoroughly enjoys watching. My breath steadied as I grasped the handle, and with one final deep inhale, I turned it slowly. The subtle creak of the hinges echoed in the tense silence due to my enhanced hearing. With the door wide open—Melynda—Aubrey's mother stood there as if she had stepped out of a myth.

If I'm honest... I wasn't expecting her...

Wait... Did Aubrey ask her to come here?

As the question lingered in my thoughts, Aubrey's voice broke the silence, filled with surprise, relief, and happiness. Her tone was almost incredulous as she questioned, "Mom? You're here... on Earth...? Like for real?"

I mentally shook my head, smiling at the way she worded it.

Well, that answers my previous question...

So why is she here?

Melynda's motherly smile was as warm as it was mystifying while she answered her daughter, "Yes, I am here, and... I've brought along a few familiar faces, too." She added with a gleam in her eyes, "God helped summon those who will follow you and Grace into battle... for the final Armageddon."

Just hearing her say that gave me a chill.

But when I registered her words, what I saw next was not what I expected. I stepped aside to allow her in; I watched as Melynda entered our apartment, followed by Zechariah and Shade. After those men stood by Aubrey's mother, a stern, unknown female angel walked in, and then Luna—the pureblood vampyre we befriended—was after the angel. She was accompanied by her powerful mate, Amy—the witch with an ancient lineage.

Each exuded pure readiness.

Their gear told stories of battles past and the ones to come.

The unknown female angel was the easiest to figure out. She was a sentinel guardian, and I faintly remember her protecting the Gates of Heaven. I was surprised to see her here—her armor resembled what I saw when we were up there with God. For her to be here, ready to fight for this cause... made me curious about her actual reasons. Many angels were not okay with my presence when I was in Heaven.

Maybe I'll find out eventually, but...

All that matters is she's here.

As I glanced at Aubrey's mother, I couldn't help but smile. Melynda carried centuries of wisdom on her shoulders, similar to what I felt when I was near Shade and Zechariah. All three were full-grown, powerful supernatural beings with countless lives. They knew the ways of the world better than any of us, and... I am sure they've been through the worst of the world only to survive it and be ready to fight for what they believed in.

It's inspiring.

Taking in the sight of Melynda's finely crafted and similar battle armor, I knew exactly who had created it for her. My mother, Azriel... she indeed had her hand in shaping the events that had led everyone here, together, by my side. It didn't surprise me that she would have given her best friend special battle gear. I silently thanked Azriel and decided to go around the room, observing the various unique armors before me.