Chapter 39: When The Devil Worships You
The silence in the room had settled like dust. For a while, Lydia remained there, curled into herself on the edge of the bed, staring out at nothing. Her eyes were dry now. The ache in her chest hadn’t gone, but it had dulled into something quieter... something she could hold without falling apart.
She let out a small breath and whispered to no one, "I have to let go."
Her voice sounded foreign. Hollow, but certain. She slowly stood, brushing her hair away from her face, then reached for the bell on the side table and rang it gently.
Within moments, her maid came in with careful steps, as if unsure what state she’d find her in. But Lydia only gave a small nod.
"Help me get dressed," she said softly. "I want to take a walk."
Her maids didn’t ask questions. They moved quietly helping her bathe, then, bringing out a soft blue day dress and brushing out her hair. They tied the delicate ribbons at her back and buttoned her sleeves, and all the while, Lydia stood still, her gaze distant.
She had to move forward. Even if it hurt. Even if she didn’t understand him.
Once she was ready, Lydia stepped out into the hall. The manor felt different today — quieter, though she couldn’t tell if that was real or just her imagination. Her footsteps echoed lightly on the polished floor as she made her way toward the library. A familiar place. A safe place.
But something caught her eye.
The door to the lounge was slightly ajar.
She hadn’t noticed it before. Something tugged at her — something small and unexplainable — and her feet shifted direction on their own. She reached for the door and pushed it open slowly.