The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 208

Chapter 208

Mary had just been checking Dylan's wound when she paused at Eliza's words. "You've already chosen the place?"

Eliza nodded. "I have"

"Is it beautiful Mary asked, her voice low and hesitant. Is it hidden enough? Secluded enough that no one will ever find

her!"

Eliza met her eyes and answered gently, but firmly. "Yes. The view is lovely. It's peaceful. And no one will ever disturb her again."

"Good" Mary murmured, her voice softening with emotion. She carefully reached out and took the box from Eliza's hands- the one that held Caroline's bones.

Eliza had already prepared everything. The bones were sealed inside a lacquered casket that had once been brought over with the Padilla family's dowry. A faint floral scent lingered on the box, disguising any trace of decay.

Mary cradled it like the most fragile of treasures. Her eyes were red as she said, "I'll speak with her a little while. I'll come find you later.

Eliza gave a quiet nod. "Alright

But later didn't come until dusk the next day.

It had been an entire day and night before Mary returned, clutching the casket tightly to her chest. Her face was pale, eyes swollen, and even her usual upright posture had wilted.

"Serenity: she whispered, voice trembling. "Go... bury your mother."

She handed the box back to Eliza with reverent care, and her hands wouldn't stop shaking.

"When it's done." Mary added, almost pleadingly, "tell no one- sleep in silence. No one should ever disturb her again. And... when I die...

—not even me. Caroline always loved

peace and quiet. Let her

Mary paused, then continued in a breathless hush, "if you're willing, bury me beside her."

Her penance wasn't over yet. But when it was, she wanted to follow Caroline-to rest beside her, at last.

to her,

head before she

at the casket, Then turned and left

back to Eliza from beneath the archway, soft and fading:

three days, Mary

she paused at the sight. They were immaculate,

came to Saint Grace Nunnery. She'd gotten lost and stumbled into a courtyard blooming with orchids. And there Mary had stood under the Lunar Arch, stern-faced, cradling a pot of flowers. She had opened her mouth to scold-only to go silent,

between her and Mother... it must've

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Chapter 208

didn't

most beautiful-at Mary's doorstep. Alongside it,

Mother wouldn't want you to be alone. So I'm leaving this orchid

the note

didn't say a word. But a single tear slipped from her eye, carrying

all of Mary's orchids around

pocket farm, where no one

day, whispering memories, sharing regrets, pouring out the love she

the headstone as though curling

for three

had never died. Her father had never betrayed them. Her brothers-Benedict, Dylan. Matthew, Anthony-still loved her dearly. Sophie had never existed. They were one

Bur dreams always end.

Eliza finally woke, she left that warmth behind, pulled herself from the sweetness of

and administered it to Dylan. When he'd recovered enough, Mary escorted him down the

Nunnery with one last longing glance over his shoulder, hoping-just hoping for a glimpse of the girl he

second man to

has been hurt deeply, Mary told him. "Earning her

his head. "It's alright, he said. Tll spend a

the same time, back at the Stonor residence, Sophie finally awoke after three days of frantic

even imperial doctors, had worked round the clock to drag her back

her eyes and saw Gabriel by her bedside, she burst into tears. "F-Father. I thought... I'd

face was stone. "You knew

did it. Look at where it got you. Who do you think is