Verbena reached back at her estate.
She tied the horse back beside the carriage before quietly walking toward the stone wall surrounding the estate.
With practiced ease, she climbed over it and jumped down onto the soft grass on the other side. She landed safely. But then she realized a problem. "Oh no... how am I supposed to get inside now?" she muttered.
She bit the tip of her thumb—a habit she had developed whenever she felt nervous or confused. Verbena stood there for a moment, thinking. Then she quietly made her way toward the back door of the estate.
It was directly beneath Inara's room, and that was exactly the problem. She didn't want anyone to find out about this, especially her parents. Stopping before the door, she slowly pushed it open.
Creak...
The old hinges let out a faint cracking sound.
Verbena immediately flinched. She froze for a few seconds before carefully opening it a little wider.
First, she only peeked inside, checking whether anyone was there. Thankfully, the hallway was empty. She let out a silent sigh of relief.
Tiptoeing inside, she carefully made her way through the hallway. She climbed the stairs one step at a time, making sure not to make the slightest sound. Finally, she reached her room.
She slipped inside, closed the door gently behind her, and locked it. Only then did she let out a long breath of relief. She lowered her hood and quickly changed back into her nightgown.
Afterward, she walked over to the open window. A gentle breeze brushed against her face. The night felt peaceful. Quiet.
For a moment, she simply stood there, letting the cool air calm her racing thoughts. Finally, Verbena walked to her bed and lay down. She pulled the blanket up to her chest.
One hand rested across her forehead as she stared silently at the ceiling. "I'll definitely avenge you, Sister. Don't worry," she whispered. Slowly, her eyes closed, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
———
The Next Day
Miralen woke to a bright morning.
Soft birdsong echoed outside, while golden sunlight poured through the curtains, filling the room with warmth. The faint fragrance of jasmine lingered in the air.
She sat up, rubbing her sleepy eyes before letting out a quiet yawn.Miralen looked around and instinctively stiffened at the unfamiliar room. Then she remembered. Right... I'm in the past.
She climbed out of bed and walked toward the wardrobe where her clothes had been neatly arranged. Picking out her dress, she headed into the bathroom. After bathing and changing, she stepped back into the room.
"Time to act again," she murmured to herself. "I just hope I don't accidentally cause any trouble. Otherwise, it'll become a huge problem." She let out a dramatic sigh.
Miralen left her room just as Verbena stepped out of hers.
"Verbena!" she called. Verbena looked toward her and smiled.
Miralen walked over with a soft, warm smile on her face— perhaps partly genuine and partly an act. "Good morning," she greeted.
"Good morning," Verbena replied with a smile. "Did you sleep well, Sis?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes.
Miralen nodded gently. "Yeah. I slept quite well." The worry on Verbena's face disappeared almost instantly. She smiled again.
"Let's go. It's time for breakfast," Miralen said. Verbena nodded happily. Together, the two sisters walked downstairs toward the dining room.
Inara was already sitting there, waiting for the girls to come. As both the girls entered the room a smile appeared on Inara's face. "Good morning dear," she greeted them. "Good morning, mom," both the girls greeted back in sync.
They looked at each other and laughed softly. Miralen and Verbena walked over to dinning table and sat down beside each other. But Inara suddenly looked like she wanted to tell them something. "Girls, listen..." The two sisters looked at her. "I want to tell you something really important." She paused p, then continued "so please listen carefully."
(The end of chapter 22)