The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 261

Chapter 261

80%

(+50)

The moment Nolan mentioned a headache, Eliza didn't even have time to react to how intimate he'd just sounded calling her by name. Her expression changed instantly as she asked with urgency, "A headache? What kind of pain? Does it come in waves, or is it constant and sharp?"

Nolan replied, "It comes and goes... like there are dozens of voices shouting inside my head. It's loud. It hurts."

He stared straight at her. The man who was always poised and untouchable now looked like a wounded wolf-lost, fragile, trying to bare his pain to the only human he trusted.

Eliza had never seen Nolan like this.

Even that first time by the stream on the back hill, when she'd witnessed one of his episodes, he'd still kept some degree of clarity. But now? It was like he'd peeled off every layer of defense, exposing his most vulnerable side completely to her.

Her heart ached. She reached out to check his forehead, then gently took his pulse. "Shh, it's okay. I'll read scripture for you -just sit quietly and listen. The pain will go away soon."

But Nolan, apparently struck by a rebellious streak, suddenly caught her wrist just as she was pulling her hand back. His voice was low and rough.

"Eliza... I don't want scripture."

"Then what do you want?" she asked, slightly thrown.

Of course, when someone's ill, they get to make the call.

But halfway through that question, she realized something was off. "Wait... did you just call me Eliza?"

Hadn't he always called her Serenity?

Across from her in the carriage, Nolan sat still, eyes dark and unreadable.

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, after a long pause, he said again, "My head... it hurts..."

She didn't know if it was part of the illness or just him pretending to be dazed, but he kept murmuring the same thing, like a broken record.

she thought-maybe it was just her imagination-but she could swear she saw

you don't want scripture... do you want me to go get

turned soft again, pleading. "My head

hesitated. Could she bring it out now? Was

transplanted Bloodshade Blossoms weren't ready. And the century-old

pocket farm... if she used it

said, "my head

Eliza froze.

"What?"

1/3

(+50)

Chapter 261

speechless. Was this man joking? Was he testing her?

crimson in his eyes, the signs of an actual episode, she'd have sworn he was

Still, she didn't answer.

disappointed puppy, Nolan slumped his head low and

She didn't respond.

rubbing his scalp. Her fingers threaded carefully through his soft silver hair as she asked, "Is this okay? Too much pressure? Am I

now half-lying beside her, eyes closed, let out a low sigh of contentment. "It's perfect... not too much... you didn't pull. It hurts just a little-but

gave a

still remembered the pressure points Mary had taught her. Combining that

adjusting her fingers along his

very quiet. Even with the rattling wheels outside, the soft sound of

up-he was

her movements and, once she was sure he

brow, she hesitated for a moment, then quietly

uncorked it and carefully held it

relaxing massage, he was completely defenseless. When she lightly tapped the bottle to his mouth, his lips parted just enough for her to pour it

she wiped the edge of his lips with a cloth, then sat

broke the stillness-soft and low,

gently. "Your medicine... it's finally

*****