Prophecy

Chapter 74: Shadows

*Grace's POV*

The dim, unsettling light of the new arena the dome had created wasn't natural—almost like other forces were at play... It wasn't just the eerie dark glow of Hell; something was off. I strained my eyes, noticing the way the shadows—or rather, the lack of them—seemed unnatural. They weren't real, and therefore, my beautiful mate couldn't use them for the fight. There should have been plenty of shadows for Xavia to use for an area so murky, yet there were none.

It hit me then like a revelation.

I needed to create those shadows to give Xavia an upper hand against her father. Though she had trained immensely, my mate wasn't quite ready to manifest the shadow and light weapons without a source. I knew she would one day, though.

Their battle hadn't begun yet, and all I wanted to do was make sure my love had everything she possibly needed at her disposal. No matter what—I'm here, and I have a plan to help her. I can focus solely on assisting Xavia the moment I am free from these chains.

Her father spoke again a minute later, saying, "And now, we are all alone. You can't call for help. I will destroy both of you." His lips curled into a twisted grin as he added. "I want to see how much you can handle before you die at my hands."

I hated the way he spoke about her.

The way he threatened her.

The joy and pleasure he took from hurting others. I honestly couldn't wait to make him suffer as much as he had made my mate suffer her entire life.

At his words, Xavia stood tall.

I can feel it... the battle will start soon.

My gaze was fighting for who to look at; one part of me wanted to watch my mate solely, but... it was essential to keep an eye on her father, too. He could have telegraphed openings that she may have missed, and I would be the one to help her out. Honestly, I couldn't care less about my pain or what I had gone through because it wasn't only about me; the second we locked eyes and officially met in Aubrey's cafe, it was about us.

Regardless of what I watched, I worked diligently to break free from the chains that bound me helplessly in the corner of the tower.

Xavia kept her hands hidden behind her back and moved carefully; it took me a second to see that she was masking her true intentions. Slowly, I watched as she nudged out one of my shurikens, its familiar weight resting against my mate's palm. Then, she drew the blade across her wrist with a quick, fluid motion.

I saw the trickle of blood begin to pool at the wound as it welled up. Xavia's thoughts were clearly on me, and my heart swelled at that... all I could think of was how amazing I would feel merely tasting it. Not only that but how happy I would be, too, as I had been utterly craving her blood.

"Grace," My mate said, calling out telepathically, "please take as much blood as you need to heal yourself."

You never have to ask me twice, beautiful.

As Belial continued his taunting, Xavia held her ground. Without wasting another moment, I focused on the familiar bond that connected us, reaching out with my telekinesis to the warm, vibrant essence that was her blood. I could sense it like a glowing river flowing within her veins. Gritting my teeth and focusing my mind, I drew upon my power, extending it like invisible hands, gently coaxing a steady stream of her blood toward me. The challenge wasn't in the act itself—I'd honed my abilities well enough for such finesse—but in keeping it hidden from prying eyes... now that was the challenge.