Page 103 of Silent Oaths
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THEODORE
Verónicafollows closely behind me as we descend the metal stairs.Ifeel her anger simmering, ready to erupt at any moment.
“So, are you finally going to fill me in?Ithink it’s about damn timeIknow why we dragged her here,”Verónicademands.
Iexhale deeply, pausing at the bottom of the stairs and turning to face her. “Motheris actually your aunt.Yourbirth mother was her sister.”
Verónica’seyes widen in shock, her mouth opening slightly before snapping shut again.
“Whatthe hell are you saying?Youmean she knew exactly whoIwas when she took me in?”
“Yes, and not only did she know, but your mother was sacrificed atLatibulumNoctis.Motherallowed her family, her own flesh and blood, to be systematically destroyed forLionel, for their twisted quest for power.”
Itake a moment to fillVerónicain on everything else we uncovered—thatCelesteandLionelare my biological parents, the staged car accident,Celeste’sinvolvement withVanguard, how she helpedLionelorchestrate the demise of theSotelofamily to solidify his control.EverydetailIreveal only fuels the anger blazing inVerónica’seyes, her fists clenching tighter with each word.
WhenIfinish, the disgust is evident on her face. “So, we’re… cousins?”
Inod. “Don’tlook too repulsed.”
Aharsh laugh escapes her as she briefly looks away, collecting herself.Then,Verónicashakes her head slowly. “Howcould she do this to us?Toher own sister and family?”
“Becausethat’s who she is,”Itell her, bitterness seeping into my words. “Celestetraded her entire family—our family—for a chance at power.Shewas willing to sacrifice anything, anyone, forLionel.”
“Thenlet’s give her exactly what she deserves.Sheneeds to pay for everything she’s done.”Hervoice is laced with the kind of fury that only betrayal can breed.
Mylips curl into a dark smile, mirroring her fierce resolve.
“Shewill.Bythe time we’re done,Celestewill regret every decision she’s ever made.”
VerónicaandIturn the corner into the basement, whereMaxwellandJulianstand silently, arms crossed, their eyes narrowed onCeleste’strembling figure.Hermascara has run down her cheeks, eyes wide with panic as muffled pleas spill from behind her gag.Butas soon as she seesVerónicastep from the shadows, her breath catches sharply, her eyes bulging in shock.
Verónicalaughs bitterly, approaching slowly. “Hello,Mother.OrshouldIsay,Aunt?”Hervoice drips venom. “Youdidn’t knowIwas still alive, did you?”
Celesteshakes her head frantically, tears streaming down her face.
Verónicapauses right in front of her. “Youremember that night, don’t you?WhenIaccidentally stumbled into your preciousLatibulumNoctisand saw the truth.Yourtwisted games.Yourdeadly sacrifices.”
Celeste’smuffled cries grow louder, pleading desperately, butVerónicadoesn’t relent.
“Lionelcouldn’t risk exposure.Hegave the order to have me killed.Yourhusband was ready to slaughter your niece—the girl you pretended to raise as your daughter—without a second thought, and you did nothing to stop him.”
Shepauses, letting her words sink in.Celestelooks shattered, shaking violently.
“Buthe underestimated me,”Verónicacontinues, calmer now, a cruel smile curving her lips. “Iwas rescued by theSolaceNetwork, by women who refuse to let monsters like you win.Theysaved my life, hid me fromLionel, fromVanguard.I’vespent every day since planning howI’dmake him—and now you—suffer.”Sheleans in closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Butyou know what?I’mthe one who set that mansion ablaze withLionelstill inside.Yourprecious husband died begging for mercy, andIhaven’t lost a single night of sleep since.”
Celeste’seyes widen in horror, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks as she unravels completely.
Istep forward, standing besideVerónica, feeling fierce pride at the woman my sister—or cousin—has become.Myvoice cuts throughCeleste’scries like a sharp blade.
“Youwanted power,Celeste, but power comes at a cost.It’stime for you to pay.”
Iturn slowly towardMaxwell. “Max, hand me one of your knives.”
Adark, twisted smile curlsMaxwell’slips as he steps forward.Hisfingers slip smoothly into his sleeve, and like a magic trick, he produces a shining blade, twirling it gracefully before handing it to me, handle first.
Celeste’sfrantic eyes fixate on the blade, terror etched deep into her features as she begins to sob uncontrollably.
