#Chapter 241: Fading

Grace Hours after my talk with Eason, the heavy oak door of the packhouse swung shut behind me. The weight of the day settled onto my shoulders and slowly slipped off as I breathed in the familiar scent of home. I walked into the living area. I found Esme curled up on the couch, a book in her lap, but her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made me nervous. "Welcome home," she said, her voice laced with concern as she set her book down. "How did the meeting with Eason go?" I hesitated, the encounter replaying in my mind. "It was… strange," I finally admitted, sinking onto the couch opposite her. "He didn't say much, but what he did say was… cryptic... and he's leaving back to Northfall." Esme leaned forward, her eyes searching mine. "What do you mean, cryptic?" I recounted the details of the conversation and his apology. As I spoke, I noticed Esme's frown deepening, her brow furrowed in worry. "Do you know what's gotten into him? He was in jeans." Her lips twitched. "Addi