Chapter Fifty-Two

**Emma's POV**

The fresh air hit me like a tonic the moment I walked out of the hospital. Gone was the sterile, antiseptic smell that had clung to me for days. As I inhaled deeply, I felt the weight of the past few days loosening its grip on my shoulders. Yet, the Moon Goddess’s warning still echoed in my mind, an uncomfortable companion to my newfound freedom.

Grace hovered beside me, her eyes scanning our surroundings with the cautiousness of a hawk. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked for the umpteenth time.

"Yes, Grace. I need to know what's going on, and this might be my only chance," I replied, my resolve firm.

We reached my modest apartment, and Grace insisted on coming inside. "Just to make sure you're really okay," she said. I didn't mind her company; in fact, it was reassuring to have someone close, someone I could trust—a rare luxury these days.

Inside, I sank into the well-worn couch, the cushions embracing me like an old friend. Grace busied herself in the kitch