CHAPTER 160…………………………..
Returning to her quarters, Noella slowly removed the volunteer’s veil. Compared to the first time she came here—when she had lost control of her anger and tossed it aside recklessly—her movements now were careful, as if tending to a priceless relic.
Of course, reaching this point had required a long time under strict confinement, but looking back now, it felt like nothing more than a trial, a memory.
“…….”
She started to remove the necklace hanging around her neck, then stopped, holding it gently with both hands. Her gestures were careful, as before, but this time even her expression carried reverence.
Muttering softly, she prayed—though the words were unclear—still carrying the lingering regrets of the prayer room that she had never finished.
…Oh God.
A single phrase, understandable and clear, drifted from her delicate lips.
She endured, again and again, focusing solely on her training. Thanks to that, her mind and hearing became so sharp that she could notice even the faintest footsteps approaching from afar.
“Ah…….”
Noella’s lips, immersed in prayer, fell silent. The soft, approaching footsteps grew nearer along the small kitchen side room.
Who’s there?
It would have been natural to scream, but Noella calmly picked up her coat instead.
Creak.
Even at the sound of the door opening, her eyebrows didn’t twitch. Without even questioning why a firmly locked door had opened, she moved toward the sound with a light, almost heavenly step, as if she could reach the sky if there were stairs.
“……Noella, it’s been a while.”
“Sis.”
Finally, God has answered.
As Noella traced the sign of the cross with a full heart, Adel, who had been watching her intently, raised a hand out of habit.
Caden frowned at the door he had torn off at will, but the two sisters were already gazing at each other with a look that pierced straight through.
“Looks like you’re ready.”
“Anytime.”
For the first time, the sisters’ eyes met and merged into a shared sense of unity.
A small chuckle escaped Adel first, and with a brief nod, she led Noella forward.
“……Then it’s time to keep our promise.”
