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.

turned to

her head before she

glance at the casket, Then turned and

soft and fading: The orchids in my garden...

the next three days, Mary never

to collect the orchids, she paused at the sight. They were immaculate, arranged with care on wooden frames-vibrant,

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, her voice catching in disbelief as she stared at Eliza's face

Mother... it must've been deeper

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Chapter 208

end, Eliza didn't take

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

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

the note when

But a single tear slipped from her eye, carrying a grief too

transplanted all of Mary's orchids around her mother's

farm, where no one

for an entire day, whispering memories, sharing regrets, pouring out the love she had never been

as though curling beside her mother's body, if only

for three full

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

Bur dreams always end.

that warmth behind, pulled herself from the sweetness of the illusion, and went

antidote to the scorpion venom and administered it to Dylan. When he'd recovered enough, Mary

Grace Nunnery with one last longing glance over his shoulder, hoping-just hoping for a glimpse

second man to

been hurt deeply, Mary told him. "Earning her forgiveness won't be

"It's alright, he said. Tll spend a lifetime repaying

the Stonor residence, Sophie finally awoke after three days

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

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

stone. "You knew it was

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