Twenty two

Grandma's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering across her face. "Don't worry about me, dear. I'm going to leave, so good luck to you," she revealed, her voice carrying a touch of bitter-sweetness.

Eloise's eyes brimmed with tears as she quickly wiped them away, her voice shaking slightly. "Grandma, you can't leave like this. I want you to stay with us," she pleaded, her voice reflecting a mixture of longing and desperation.

Grandma placed a comforting hand on Eloise's shoulder, her voice gentle yet firm. "No, Eloise. I'm leaving now. I think I've stayed with you long enough. It's time for me to get back on the road," she explained, her words carrying a sense of resolve and wanderlust.

Eloise's voice trembled as she tried to comprehend the impending separation. "Where are you going to go then, Grandma?" she asked, her voice revealing a mix of curiosity and concern.

Grandma's voice held a touch of whimsy as she responded, her gaze distant yet fond. "I'll go where the wind takes me, so don't worry about me," she assured, her words carrying a hint of freedom and adventure.

Lucy interjected, her voice tinged with both sadness and gratitude. "I hope you have a good trip, Grandma. We will miss you," she expressed, her words laced with a sense of farewell.

Grandma smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting a lifetime of cherished memories. The wrinkles etched upon her face told stories of years gone by, filled with laughter and tears, triumphs and tribulations. "Yes, thank you, Eloise. Please come with me for a moment," she requested, her voice gentle and inviting, beckoning Eloise to accompany her.

Eloise followed her beloved grandmother into a quaint and cozy room, the air thick with a sense of nostalgia. The room was adorned with faded photographs capturing moments frozen in time, generations of family members captured in their joy and togetherness. The weight of the moment settled upon Eloise's heart as she took in the sight, her steps heavy with emotion. "What is it, Grandma? Why did you bring me here?" Eloise questioned, her voice a mixture of curiosity and concern, yearning to understand the purpose behind this intimate rendezvous.

Grandma's eyes twinkled with a sense of wisdom and affection as she reached into the pocket of her floral apron. Her weathered hands emerged, cupping a small, velvety box. "I just wanted to give you this," she said, her voice holding a hint of anticipation, as if the box contained not just an object but a precious piece of their shared history.

With a delicate movement, Grandma opened her hand, revealing a stunning ring nestled in her palm. The silver band gleamed, adorned with a single glistening sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds, each one seeming to carry a whisper of love. Eloise's eyes widened with awe as she took the ring delicately, her fingertips grazing the intricate details. "It's beautiful. Are you proposing to me, Grandma?" she asked, a mixture of surprise and joy evident in her voice, unable to fathom the significance of this heartfelt gesture.

Grandma chuckled softly, shaking her head, her silver hair shimmering in the soft light. "Don't be silly, Eloise. Keep this ring with you and only give it to the person you love the most," she advised, her voice carrying a touch of wisdom and nostalgia. It was as if the ring, imbued with Grandma's own experiences, held the key to a profound truth about love and devotion.

Eloise's mind whirled with thoughts and possibilities as she contemplated the ring in her hand. Its weight became symbolic, representing not only a piece of jewellery but also a profound responsibility. "Then I'll give it to Mom," she decided, her voice filled with determination and affection, eager to honour the woman who had given her life and unconditional love.

Grandma's expression softened, her voice imbued with a sense of guidance as she gently closed Eloise's hand around the ring. "No, not your mother. You have to give it to your future wife, you understand? And make me a promise, Eloise," she requested, her voice holding a mixture of tenderness and expectation. It was as if Grandma, with her timeless wisdom, sought to shape Eloise's understanding of love and commitment.

Eloise nodded, her eyes brimming with sincerity and a deep desire to honour her grandmother's wishes. "Yes, whatever you want, Grandma," she vowed, her voice filled with a profound sense of commitment, a pledge to carry forth the torch of love that Grandma had passed on to her.

Grandma's smile widened, her love for Eloise shining brightly in her gaze. "Promise me that you will love unconditionally and never give up on the person you love, despite all the obstacles that may come your way," she implored, her voice carrying a sense of wisdom and unwavering belief in the power of love's endurance.

Eloise's voice trembled with emotion as she responded, her heart touched by her grandmother's words, understanding the depth and significance of this solemn promise.

"Yes, I promise, Grandma. Even though I'm not really interested in anyone at this moment, I will cherish this ring and hold steadfast to your words," she confessed, her voice conveying a blend of gratitude and uncertainty, grateful for the profound wisdom she had received and uncertain of the journey that lay ahead.

Grandma nodded, her face beaming with pride and affection. "Let's go back to the others now," she suggested, her voice gentle yet resolute.

As they made their way back to the living room, Eloise and Grandma were greeted by the others, who bid a heartfelt farewell to Grandma. "Bye, Grandma," they chorused, their voices carrying a mix of sadness and gratitude.

Meanwhile, in the confines of the human castle, a conversation unfolded between the Human King, Clara, and the Queen of Humans. Clara stood before her father, disappointment evident in her eyes as she tried to explain herself. "But, Dad, it's not really my fault," she pleaded, her voice carrying a hint of defensiveness.

The Queen of Humans, her expression calm and understanding, intervened, offering support to Clara. "It's okay, Clara. Tell me how you managed to gather information about the demons," she prompted, her voice conveying a sense of empathy and curiosity.

Clara took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she began to recount her experiences. "Yes, I managed to find plenty of information. I even know Alana's weakness," she revealed, her voice tinged with a mixture of determination and intrigue.

The Human King's voice resonated with disdain as he expressed his deep-rooted animosity towards the demons. "I hate demons. It's time to eradicate them," he declared, his voice filled with a sense of anger and determination.

The Queen of Humans, her gaze contemplative, agreed with her husband's sentiment. "Yes, we will wait for the right moment when nobody expects it," she confirmed, her voice carrying a mix of strategy and conviction.

As the conversation unfolded, Alice, their daughter, entered the room, curiosity piqued by their discussion. "What are you talking about?" she inquired, her voice filled with innocence and curiosity.