Prophecy

Chapter 72: Mistake

*Grace's POV*

As I hung there, suspended by the barbed wire that cut into my flesh, it felt like I had been enduring this agony for an eternity. I knew that couldn't be true—time was distorted here, twisted by pain and darkness. The way Xavia's father drew out every second of my torment—it stretched each moment to an unbearable length. I could almost feel him savoring it, the way he lingered with each cruel touch, each twisted grin.

Yet... I knew his real target wasn't me.

No, I was just a means to an end.

His primary focus was Xavia—my mate.

Whatever he had planned for me, it was all to get to her. And that thought filled me with a fury hotter than any flame in Hell.

Deep within my soul, I knew it to be true.

The rusted chains that held me captive burned like Hellfire, searing into my skin with every movement. I gritted my teeth against the pain, refusing to give him the satisfaction of hearing me cry out. Belial had paused his relentless attacks, his lips moving silently as he muttered some type of spell. A cold dread settled in my gut, but then—something shifted.

A familiar presence surged through the suffocating darkness, and I felt it in my very bones: Xavia. She had crossed the threshold; she was here, in Hell. That realization sent a jolt through me, a pulse of strength that ignited deep within my chest. She was coming for me, and knowing that... I felt my resolve harden, my spirit reignite.

I wasn't done yet.

My mate was a flicker of light in this dark place. As the minutes dragged on, I felt Xavia getting closer. Her presence, her life force, reached out to me like a lifeline through the suffocating darkness. I could feel her determination cutting through the abyss, growing stronger with every heartbeat. And she wasn't alone. Familiar energies began to pulse in the distance; I sensed Raziel, Aubrey, Melynda, Zechariah, Shade, Luna, and Amy rallying behind her.

There was another presence, too, one that stirred a faint recognition that I couldn't quite place yet. I was positively taken aback, but relief flooded through me. Xavia and I weren't facing this final battle alone; our family and friends were here, standing with us. Knowing we had them by our side meant everything.

They were here to help, to save me and, ultimately, the world.

I wanted to shout out to them to let them know where I was and what was happening. I didn't want them to get too close and stumble upon the legion of demons surrounding the tower. It was the Devil's trap; he told me some of his plans and couldn't stop talking; it was as if he loved to hear his voice. After a while, it honestly got annoying, and I couldn't wait to make him shut up.

I closed my eyes, extending my power and senses, trying to be prepared for whatever would happen next.

Suddenly, several sounds reverberated in my senses... I felt it, too—the war—Armageddon—had begun.

The battlefield roared with chaos, filled with low, sinister snarls and guttural growls. The sharp hiss of air whizzed past my ears, announcing the rapid approach of someone sprinting with deadly intent. Explosions of immense magick crackled and boomed in the distance. Above, a powerful flapping of wings tore through the blood-red sky. Arrows flew with lethal precision, sinking deep into armor and flesh alike. The heavy, metallic scent of rusted iron filled my nose, mixing with the thick, coppery tang of fresh blood. Agonized screams and constant clanking of armor cut through the noise—bone snapping, skin rending...

Every sound painted a vivid picture.

Being chained up at the highest point of this decrepit tower was irksome, as I couldn't see what was happening below me. However, Zechariah and Shade were high above and out of sight of the battle, so I could see them clearly from where I was. They were the beings flapping in the sky, sniping demons with arrows and snapping necks with telekinesis from above. I was honored and happy to have them by our side for this fight.