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, startled.

head before she could finish.

at the casket, Then turned and left the

back to Eliza from beneath the archway, soft and fading: The orchids in my garden...

next three days, Mary never returned to her

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

Lunar Arch, stern-faced, cradling a pot of flowers. She had opened her mouth to scold-only to go silent,

it

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Chapter 208

didn't

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

you to be alone. So I'm leaving this

note when

say a word. But a single tear slipped from her

all of

the stillness of the pocket farm, where no one else could intrude,

regrets, pouring out the love she had never been able to

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

there for

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

Bur dreams always end.

herself from the sweetness of the illusion, and went straight to

the antidote to the scorpion venom and administered it to Dylan.

over his shoulder, hoping-just hoping for a glimpse of the girl he

second man to leave

told him. "Earning her forgiveness

alright, he said. Tll spend a lifetime

Stonor residence, Sophie finally

worked round the clock to drag

opened her eyes and saw Gabriel by her bedside, she burst into tears.

stone. "You knew it was

it. Look at where it