Chapter Fifty-One

Emma's POV

The dull hum of hospital equipment filled the room, a constant reminder of my current reality. The memories of the forest with the Moon Goddess lingered at the edges of my consciousness, blending with the sterile surroundings of the hospital room. I felt raw and exposed as if my very soul had been laid bare.

The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Grace standing there, a look of concern etched on her face. She stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her.

"Emma," she whispered, her eyes scanning my face as if trying to gauge my mental state.

"Grace," I replied, unable to keep the relief from my voice. Her presence was a balm to my frayed nerves.

She took a seat beside my bed, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "How are you feeling?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the whirlwind inside me. "I've been better," I said finally, my voice betraying my exhaustion.

Grace nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I'm not surprised, given everything that