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,

her head before she could finish. "Don't ask.

cast one final, lingering glance at the casket, Then turned

fading: The orchids in my garden...

Mary never returned

collect the orchids, she paused at the sight. They were immaculate, arranged

And there Mary had stood under the Lunar Arch, stern-faced, cradling a pot of flowers.

between her and Mother... it

1/3

Chapter 208

end, Eliza didn't take all

doorstep. Alongside

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

the note when she

a single tear slipped from her eye, carrying

burial. Eliza gently transplanted all of Mary's orchids around her

stillness of the pocket farm, where no one else

memories, sharing regrets, pouring out the love she

curled beside the headstone as though curling beside her mother's body, if only you were still

slept there for

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

Bur dreams always end.

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

the antidote to the scorpion venom and administered it to Dylan. When he'd

longing glance over his shoulder, hoping-just hoping for a

He became the second man to leave that place with nothing but

hurt deeply, Mary told him. "Earning

alright, he

the Stonor residence, Sophie finally awoke after three

imperial doctors, had worked round the

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

face was stone. "You knew

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