I woke up to find a note stating that I should take two days' leave to rest well. Angelin was there, and she scolded me, saying the doctor had diagnosed me with fatigue. The truth was, after the incident with Silas, I simply couldn't eat, and that was the real problem. The Lord had even sent word that I could visit home if I wished.
After hearing this, I got ready, informed the Head Maid, and set off for the orphanage. I had bought some dolls for the children with my earnings. As I approached, I suddenly saw Silas. Upon seeing me, he rushed toward me with a worried expression and asked, "Are you quite alright?"
"Yes," I replied softly.
An awkward silence fell between us. Without a word, he reached out and took the heavy bags from my hands. "Where to?" he asked.
"The orphanage," I replied.
We walked the rest of the way in silence; the only sound was the rhythm of our breathing in the crisp air.
He asked if I was free to go out tonight, hurriedly mentioning there was a night market before trailing off plausibly.
I nodded and visited the orphanage while he waited patiently in the chapel hall. When I finished, I simply followed his lead. I had never left the orphanage before, so the night market felt like a dream. Everything was grand—the bright lanterns, the sweet treats, and the music. I was so happy that I accidentally took his arm. He started to blush and I did too, but I did not let go of his hand.
We walked hand in hand until the night came to an end. He walked me back to the manor, and just as I turned to go inside, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. Then, he ran off toward the gate.
I stood frozen, looking toward the manor. There, I saw a familiar face—Lord Victor had seen us. I was frightened to my core. John and I greeted Sir Victor and began our work, but Sir Victor gave John several errands to force him to leave. Once we were alone, he asked, 'Do you love Silas, Carla?' My heart jumped out of my chest when I heard his voice. I nervously answered, "No."He sighed and said, "Stay away from him."
Victor started to give me difficult tasks day after day without a break. I couldn't find a moment to see Silas
Present day Theo point of view
As I read Carla's diary, the skeleton under the sheet suddenly began to rise. I stared in shock, but Charlie quickly pulled me back while Jax and Ruby rushed to my side. I gripped the book tightly as the skeleton threw Charlie against the wall. He hit his head and fell to the floor. The sheet slid off, and the skeleton lunged to strangle me. I couldn't breathe. Jax and Ruby tried to pull it away, but the grip only got tighter.
The book slipped from my hands, and I felt myself floating, clawing at the skeleton's bony fingers. Suddenly, Jax grabbed the diary and slammed it against the skeleton's arm. The hand snapped off and fell away from the body. Ruby checked on me while Jax picked up Charlie. We ran out, locked the room, and headed downstairs. As we fled, I heard an agonized voice cry out: "Don't go... please."
I kept hearing a crying sound as it started to get closer. I covered my ears, and then I noticed everyone standing in silence, staring behind me. I could feel something there—a sudden chill, yet the back of my neck felt hot as my heart began to race.
I slowly started to turn, but Ruby suddenly pulled me away. A thick black fog appeared and then vanished just as quickly. Jax fell back in shock. As I looked down, I saw the book. It had been upstairs just a moment ago. How did it get down here?"
Ruby slowly picked up the book and said, "We have to finish reading this first, okay?" We settled Charlie in a room and sat in the study to learn exactly what had happened to Carla, Silas, and Victor.