Chapter 261

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, but you're pretty damn trying."

I laughed. "Eason!"

"You don't need a babysitter anymore," he said, looking at me with those glowing eyes. "You'll be fine. You've got this and Charles isn't going to let a damn thing happen to you or the kids."

His words washed over me. I nodded, trying to believe them as much as I knew he did.

"I promise, I didn't leave you a Trojan Horse."

"A what?"

He shook his head. "Human history. I mean that Xavier is a good guy. He'll feed you your speeches, and this time if you want to call me... just do."

I looked up at him. "Really?"

"Unless I'm getting plowed into a surface or in class, I'll probably pick up."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "I'll try not to abuse that.... Do you still have friends at Northfall."

"On the island. A lot them are still there for extra studies. Internships and residencies. Hopefully, you'll carve some time out to make some friends yourself."

I nodded again. Silence settled between us.

An alarm went off and Eason pulled his bags off the bed.

I followed him out, choking back the gasp of pain in the way he didn't even look back into the room. Not like before.

"Take care of yourself, Grace," he said, his voice sincere. "I'll see you for break."

"You'd better," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "And thank you. For everything."

He pulled me into a warm embrace. "Now that you've gotten the hug, will you stop acting like I'm leaving right now?"

I laughed as he wheeled his bags to the front foyer and walked past me.

"I'm hungry, and George isn't back yet."

I blinked. "I thought you were leaving tonight."

"I am... Closer to midnight."

I sighed, it wasn't all the time I wanted, but it was more than I thought I had. We headed into the living room where a stack of books were on the table. Esme lounged and poured over them.

"What are you looking for?"

"Your grandfather asked me to do some research on lycan mates," she said and gestured to the table. "While you're here, help. Your instincts will make it easier to scrye for answers."

Eason sank onto the otherside of the couch. I took a seat in a chair and watched as books floated past him, flipping pages until one floated into his hand.

"Alpha lycan mates?"

"You guessed it."

Eason hummed and started to read. According to ancient pack lore, an Alpha's mate, especially one with a strong lineage or unique abilities, could potentially inherit the Alpha position alongside their mate. It was a rare occurrence, but it was a possibility.

Esme grimaced. "Anything about oaths?"

"The oaths apply, but the mate would be at least a regent."

She glanced at me and shook her head. "Look for something about the Blackwoods and the Goddess."

More books danced. "I don't know how I feel about you using me as a search engine."

She flipped a page. "It's good practice. I expect you to fly through the rest of your program."

He chuckled and opened the book again. My phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Grace…" Charles breathed, his voice thick with uncertainty. "Is Eason still there?"

"Yes... Esme's using him like a search engine."

He chuckled. "Tell him thanks, and I'll add to his stipend. I know the good stuff is expensive on the island."

"Tell your boyfriend I love him more," Eason said absently.

I laughed. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm... making a detour to see someone. A witch, Diane. Somethings have come up. Don't let Eason leave before I get there."

"I'll wrestle him."

Eason pulled a face. "Yuck. Get George to do it."

"What he said," Charles said. "I'll be home as soon as I can. I love you."

"I... love you, too."

I bit my lip and hung up. Esme and Eason stared at me.

"What?"

"Coward," they said and went back to reading.

I huffed. "He's running late. Has to see a witch. Tea?"

"Don't you ruin another serving of tea," Esme said. "Coffee!... In the coffee maker not the press!"

I scowled at them and went to the kitchen. I came back with coffee for both of them. I got comfortable in the chair and slowly started to doze off.

Then, I was driving down a road I had never seen before. I smelled something herby and there was a woman. Somehow, I knew her name.

Diane.

The cabin was filled with strange things. I felt fear and worry, a clawing sense of uncertainty. She looked troubled. I saw the cottage from the inside and the outside at once.

Diane looked right at me. Her piercing gaze saw right through me. I wanted to hide, but I didn't move. I braced myself.

I had to know what she would say, but what had I asked her?

"The bond," she rasped, her voice like dry leaves rustling in the wind, "is different now."

"Broken?" I heard Charles asked.

"No," she said. "Just... different. Closer to fading, but not faded yet."

"You can't tell me one way or the other?"

"I have seen bonds in worse conditions that still did not break. I have told you before: you either take the leap or you don't."

My heart sank. I didn't even know what she was talking about but the disappointment was almost overwhelming.

"Thank you ffor your time," Charles said.

What other choice do I have? Charles asked, his voice echoed through my mind like my own thoughts.

Was this really a dream?

"There is still hope," Diane said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

The cabin whirled again and silence stretch on.

"Tell me."

"The Choosing, in your case, is complicated. It cannot be bypassed entirely, even if the bond was broken, but… there may be ways to influence the outcome."

"Such as?"

"A bond... is a bond, Your Majesty. You should know that more than anyone."

Confusion tumbled through me, then a deep, troubled and tentative hope.

"Thank you," Charles whispered. "I will... I will think on it."

"Give Esme a call," she said. "And that healer you have on tap... Talk to him. He is young, not fully awakened to his powers yet, but he is powerful."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Do you think it easy to separate the mind from magic with all of those oaths?" Diane came closer, looking up at me. It was strange, because I knew we had to be about the same height.

"The path ahead will be hard, but if... If you can push through. If you can hold on, pill, potion, and sheer perseverance, there is a chance."

"You mean..."

"Get your allies on the same page, Charles, and don't forget the circumstances of your birth."

I was thrown back into darkness, but the hope that had filled me followed.

"Grace?"

I frowned and opened my eyes. Charles leaned over me with a smile.

"Hungry? I made dinner."

"Eason?"

"Still here, and washing up."

I nodded, shaking my head from the strange dream. We ate, laughing and joking. Everyone except for Cecil and Richard were there. There was something going on between Ethan and George that made me smile. I made it most of the way through the meal before the exhaustion started to hit me.

"Looks like it's time," Eason said, standing. "Can't keep you up past your bedtime."

He hugged me again and we walked out to the car together.

"George and Ethan are going with you," Charles said.

Ethan looked stunned, but the look on George's face was pure relief.

Eason glanced between me and Charles. "You're sure about that?"

"He's not much for the beach, but he'd be miserable worrying about you. Take him." Charles shook his hand. "Rest easy, take care of them and see you soon."