#Chapter 261 Goodbye

Grace Eason said nothing, just looking at me as the question hung in the air. "It's just that... you already know so much. E-Esme could train you for the rest, right?" He zipped his bag, his gaze meeting mine with a mix of understanding and determination. "Esme isn't a healer, and no, she couldn't." "S-Seraphina, then?" "Also not a healer... What are you getting at? " I shook my head unable to voice the jumble of emotions swirling within me. Fear of the unknown, the empty space he'd leave behind, the uncertainty of the future – it all coalesced into a silent plea for him to stay. "I... I don't want you to go." Eason sighed, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. "Grace," he began, his voice taking on a patient tone. "I know. It's stupid. You've given enough of you life up for me. M-More than that it's my fault you had to do it at all, but I... I still..." I hung my head, scrubbing at my eyes. "It was... nice to have you here." He pat my shoulder. "I would say the same,