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,

she could finish. "Don't ask. Just

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

archway, soft and fading: The orchids in my garden... take them to Caroline. They

days, Mary never returned to

went to collect the orchids, she paused at the sight. They were immaculate, arranged with care on

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

Eliza thought, between her and Mother... it must've been deeper than anything I

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Chapter 208

Eliza didn't

one-the most beautiful-at Mary's doorstep.

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

found the note when she

a single tear slipped from her eye, carrying

all of Mary's

farm, where no one

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

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

slept there for

them. Her brothers-Benedict, Dylan. Matthew, Anthony-still loved her dearly. Sophie

Bur dreams always end.

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

antidote to the scorpion venom and administered it to

walked away from Saint Grace Nunnery with one last longing glance over his shoulder, hoping-just hoping

became the second man to leave that place with nothing but silence and

has been hurt deeply, Mary told

head. "It's alright, he said.

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

imperial doctors, had worked round the clock to drag her

her bedside, she burst into tears. "F-Father. I

was stone. "You

where it got you. Who do you think