Chapter 1070
News of Aurora's death swiftly reached Starhaven. Winona and the Skywing Spire delegation had witnessed the populace's anger and Aurora's tragic demise. The news arrived not by carrier pigeon, but via swift horses dispatched from Skywing Spire, directly to the Hell Monarch Estate. Winona’s letter vividly detailed the events, including extra information specifically for Carissa. Knowing Aurora had caused the Sinclair family massacre and that Carissa harbored intense hatred, but was unable to exact revenge due to the events unfolding in Fawnrun City, Winona hoped the details would offer some closure.
Carissa read the letter twice. Recognizing Winona's handwriting, she sat in stunned silence before sighing deeply and collapsing into Rafael's arms. He held her close, his sorrow palpable. Though vengeance was achieved, the pain would endure. Wiping her tears, he whispered, “The debts are repaid. Aurora and the Westhaven spies will face your parents' judgment in the afterlife.”
Carissa rested her head against his chest, the weight of past years heavy upon her. Outside, Lulu watched the fiery sunset, her heart aching; Aurora's death wouldn't erase the pain. She imagined Carissa sharing her sorrow.
Violet, having also read the letter, felt a surge of satisfaction. "Finally, she's dead," she muttered. "Good riddance."
Jacob then instructed Dylan to inform Barrett at Valor Estate. Violet scoffed. "Tell him? Does he deserve that honor? Why Dylan?"
"When people are in a foul mood, they don't care. Better to tell him now than have him come asking later," Jacob replied, noting Barrett's unpredictable state.
Chapter 1071
Violet agreed; it was best to avoid Barrett’s potential visit. His interruption of Rafael would be one thing, but his persistence with Carissa was far worse.
Even Helen learned the news, making a special trip to Orchid Hall. She gently took Carissa from Rafael, holding her close. In her few words, she offered comfort. "Evil reaps its reward. Her time is up—she's on the road to the underworld, while you're on the path to a long and joyful life. Your life is now free from sorrow."
Helen held Carissa tightly, sighing deeply. Rafael, observing his mother’s actions, thought it excessive. Shouldn't Carissa be allowed to grieve freely? Helen’s intervention had stifled Carissa's tears; indeed, Carissa could barely breathe, let alone cry.
Once Carissa composed herself, Helen, mistaking her calm for solace, sat down and launched into a lengthy discourse on life’s lessons, echoing Victoria’s advice: don't dwell on the past, look ahead, the deceased watch over them, and the living should live joyfully for the dead's peace.
Though Carissa’s tears ceased, her eyes remained red-rimmed. Helen felt pity. "From now on, treat me as your mother," Helen said softly. "I’ll love you as my own daughter. Kiera, however…she's heartless, always running about, and rarely visits since marrying. I can count her visits on one hand."
Carissa murmured her gratitude. Rafael, however, shook his head. Why mention Kiera? It implied Carissa's acceptance stemmed from Kiera's neglect.
"By the way," Helen added, "you haven't opened the gifts your third aunt sent. I know you don't want to confront your seventh uncle's sacrifice, but those gifts hold his affection. You should at least look through them."