Chapter 44
“What? She’s gone? Gabriel and Benedict failed to see Elizu again.
They had thought they finally had everything in their grasp, only to arrive at the palace and learn that Eliza had already left for Saint Grace: Nunnery.
James smiled slightly, “Yes, the Holy Lady was worried about the upcoming blessing ceremony. As soon as she woke up, she hurried back to
D
Gabriel’s expression darkened. He had come to copfront Eliza in person, but now she had slipped right through his fingers.
If Eliza had stayed at the palace, he could have forced a meeting. But once she was back at Saint Grace Nunnery, the gales were closed to him.
Gabriel couldn’t help but wonder if this was part of Nolan’s pl
‘s plan. But in truth, it had nothing to do with him.
Eliza had anticipated that her father would come looking for her, so the moment her eyesight recovered, she left with Mary.
It wasn’t fear that drove her decision. The blessing ceremony came first. Once that was settled, she would deal with these people on her own terms.
Besides, she wasn’t in a hurry to see Dylan released from prison. Until she was in a better mood, he could stay right where he was.
By the time Gabriel and Benedict reached the foot of Mount Westin, they found the area heavily guarded. The soldiers weren’t ordinary palace guards–they were Nolan’s Black Flag soldiers.
Under the guise of protecting the Holy Lady and preventing unwanted visitors, they blocked the Duke’s estate’s carriage without hesitation. The message was clear: No one from the Stonor family was allowed near.
Gabriel’s face turned even grimmer. He was used to being shown respect wherever he went. Being turned away twice in one day–because of his rebellious daughter–was a humiliation he never imagined he’d suffer.
On the way home, he came to terms with the fact that they wouldn’t get another chance to see Eliza before the blessing ceremony ended.
After his initial fury cooled, he passed the matter to Benedict. The king just needs to see that we’re making an effort. Over the next few days, you and your siblings will take turns going to Mount Westin
” you manage to see her, great. If not, at least the king will know we aren’t ignoring the situation.”
benedat nodded. “I understood.”
For the next few days, reports came in regularly–members of the Stonor family were showing up at the base of the mountain, asking for Eliza.
But Eliza didn’t care. Nolan had already assured her that the guards would keep them at bay, and she could ignore the news entirely before the blessing ceremony.
Today, however, her visitor wasn’t just another Stonor.
”
She was kneeling at her desk, carefully copying the Bible, when she heard footsteps approaching. Startled, she turned. “Prince Nolan!”
Nolan stood just outside her door, making no move to enter. Quce the guile stepped away, he said. “I brought you something?
He held out two medical books he hadn’t had the chance to deliver earlier. But beneath them, there was a third.
Eliza set down her pen and took the books. When she saw the title of the third one, her eyes flickered with surprise. “A book on poisons?”
Nolan mer
et her gaze evenly “When you asked me to find those medical books, weren’t you actually looking for something on poison!”
Eliza gripped the book on poisons tightly but didn’t deny it.
Nolan looked down at her. “Don’t worry. No one che knows about your research”
Elura hesgated for a moment before asking. “So, was If you who covered up the fact that Dylan was poisoned?
dead or burely clinging to life–there was n
she knew exactly what poison she had used Without an antidote, Dylan would have been either d
he could have endured righty Lashes. Someone had to have neutralized it
no one had questioned her about it. It meant someone had covered for her
At first, the suspected Nolan. Hut since he hadn’t lirought it up, she had played dumb.
However, he huddenly handed her a book on poisons now. It was clear he knew more than he was letting on.
10:19 AM
Chapter 41
“I did cover for you. Nolan admitted, his voice strady. “But I wasn’t the one who arranged for the antidote.
Eliza froze. Then, a thought struck her–before she blacked out that day. Mary had been coaxing her to take some sort of antidote pill ‘Could it he that the person who gave Dylan and me the antidote was Mary? she thought..
Seeing the realization on her face, Nolan knew she had put the pieces together.
want to learn, you need someone who knows what they’re doing. Otherwise, you’ll
“This book comes from Sage of Poison,” he said. “If you really wa only end up poisoning yourself.”
Eliza nodded. She understood that well enough. But finding a proper teacher in this field was no easy task
Still, she took a steady breath and said firmly. “Thanks for the advice. I get it”
“Good. There’s one more thing I need to give you.” Nolan said.
Eliza looked up, confused. “Something else?”
“Not a thing” Nolan corrected. “A person.”
He raised his hand in a subtle gesture. In an instant, a lean, shadowy figure dropped soundlessly from the roof, landing behind him.
bressed in tight black clothing with not a single inch of skin exposed, the masked figure blended seamlessly into the dim light—tilent, watchful, like a phantom lurking in the dark.
“Shadow Seven Nolan said, stepping aside to reveal Eliza, “meet your new master
As the masked figure’s gaze locked onto Eliza, she felt an unsculing sensation, as if she were being studied inside and out.
Then, without a word, Shadow Seven knelt on one knee, bowing deeply. “Master, please grant me a name?
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