Chapter 3

Scarlet Morgan was adjusting her brassiere in front of a full-body mirror when she unintentionally touched a scar on her chest. The previous few years have been difficult for her, and she would have died if it had not been for Sister Theresa, a missionary nun who intervened when she was on the verge of death a few years ago. More than ten years have passed since she first moved in with Sister Theresa, and she has always felt loved, appreciated, and well cared for throughout her time in the monastery.

Unfortunately, some wondrous things were not meant to be sustained. Sister Theresa became unwell and needed financial assistance to complete her medical treatment. She had the bravery to leave her convent for the first time since she had moved there. She was apprehensive about going out, but she had no choice. Treatment for Sister Theresa should never be delayed since it was life-threatening!

Just as she was about to go out the door, she opened the rose gold locket pendant and raised an eyebrow at the image of a guy next to her mother. He had a strange appearance, and she often wondered how on earth her mother had been drawn to him in the first place. Yet, she was unable to avoid going to him, where she would claim all she could to aid her savior’s cause. Among other things, she discovered the necklace in one of her mother’s old pouches. It held not only the rose gold jewelry but also their final love letter, which was written the day before she married Brodie Hanson, the clan chief of Black Shadow.

Scarlet took a deep breath before going to Sister Theresa’s room to see how she was doing. She needed to visit her before she could go, and she was well aware that the nun would oppose to her plans, but she was desperate for money at the time.

“Oh, my God!” When she realized Sister Jade was waiting outside her bedroom, she yelled in surprise. The lady had been out of the ordinary when she first arrived at the monastery, but she was not a horrible person in any way.

“I’ve heard you’re heading to Stonewick today,” she said.

Scarlet narrowed her eyes toward the lady for a brief period since her intention to leave the convent had been kept a secret between her and Sister Theresa. “Have you had a chance to speak with Sister Theresa?” Scarlet was the one who inquired.

“Yes. I was just there a few minutes ago, and she asked me to take you there before I left,” she replied in kind.

It was also her objective, so Scarlet bowed her head and expressed gratitude to the lady for her assistance. “How are things going for you, Sister Jade?” The lady strained for air when she was asked a question. “In any case, I didn’t want to disturb you since you like to be alone.”

“Hmmm, I was a little nervous about approaching you,” Jade confessed the truth. “I’m sure your mother would have been delighted to see you today, sweetie. You’re quite beautiful, and you look just like her,” she said.

Scarlet came to a complete halt, and the grin that had been on her face vanished as soon as she heard the lady speak her mother’s name. For as long as she could remember, her mother had no acquaintances in the community that Black Shadow had held. “Do you happen to know her?”

Sister Jade responded with a nod and the words, “Yes! Can we have a private conversation? This is something I believe you should be aware of before stepping outdoors. My darling, it’s quite hazardous outside the monastery,” she warned the lady.

Sister Theresa had told Scarlet the same thing for the last many years, and she nodded in agreement. “I understand, Sister Jade. I’m sorry, but I have to do this! Sister Theresa needs financial assistance for her operation, and the convent is struggling to make ends meet these days!”

In reality, they had been surviving solely on their harvests for the last three months. Stonewick provided them with large sums of money in contributions, but something must have occurred there! Because the villagers had stopped contributing money to the monastery, the Mayor was often absent from his office! The good news was that the guy she was searching for happened to reside in Stonewick, so she would be able to kill two birds with one stone.

“Your strength of character is very outstanding, sweetheart! Is it okay if we come over to my room? I have to give you something for your safety,” she said further.

Scarlet envisioned a scapular or a little crucifix as the goods that Sister Jade used to give her for protection. She already had those items in her bag, but she didn’t want to offend the woman’s sentiments, so she decided to accompany her instead.

Sister Jade’s bedroom was just two rooms away from Sister Theresa’s, so it wouldn’t have made much of a difference if she were in the other room. “Well, thank you very much for taking the time to consider my well-being!”

“Of course, sweetie! I may have failed to defend your mother, but this time I will do all in my power to protect you!”

She pinched her brows in disbelief since the nun was saying something that Scarlet couldn’t understand at the time. Behind everything was said and done, she shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to trial after the woman till they arrived at her bedroom. Like everyone else’s in the monastery, Sister Jade's room was simple and included just the bare necessities. However, she observed something unusual on the desk over her bed. Her gaze was pulled to it until she went up to the desk and took it from there.

“Can you tell me what this is? It’s stunning!” While looking at the bracelet, which was ablaze with varied hues in front of her eyes, she shouted.

“I mean, it’s just a regular bracelet, my darling. “Do you think it’s good?”

“Ordinary? I don’t see how you can call something ordinary when it shines in multiple colors!” Scarlet confronted Sister Jade about the bracelet, which the lady stated was nothing special, but as Scarlet glanced at Sister Jade, she was perplexed why the woman had suddenly become pale. “Are you okay, Sister Jade?”

Taking a great sigh of relief, Sister Jace looked Scarlet in the eyes for quite some time. “I am relieved that you are still alive, sweetheart. I am overwhelmed with gratitude right now,” she added, and then she stepped towards the young lady, smiling at her as she did so. She asked Scarlet if she would allow her to place the bracelet on her, and when Scarlet nodded her head in agreement, Jade closed her eyes and began casting a spell on her.

“Was it a prayer?” Scarlet enquired after Sister Jade recited something unknown to her ears. Sister Jade replied affirmatively. Was it a Latin or a Spanish phrase? She couldn’t tell the difference between the two!

“Yes, it’s a prayer for your protection,” she said before retrieving a little purse that contained a few bills. “You may use this to purchase meals for yourself,” she said.

“Thank you, Sister Jade!” She was appreciative of the present since she only had a few dollars in her wallet at the time. “Let’s go to Sister Theresa right now!”

Scarlet had difficulty explaining to Sister Theresa why she had to leave the convent for the time being a few seconds later. Sister Theresa was insistent and concerned about Scarlet Morgan’s well-being. Still, Scarlet Morgan, with the support of Sister Jace, has persuaded the other nun to accept her request despite her reservations.

“I can’t imagine what you are thinking right now, my darling Scarlet, but you haven’t been out of the monastery in 10 years! What if anything awful happens to you while you’re there? Who is going to defend you? What if Black Shadow recognizes you?”

As soon as the clan's name was spoken, Scarlet clenched her teeth! Even though it had been more than ten years, she could never forget how they had attempted to consume her heart! It was horrific, and her mother died while trying to save her life on the scene. The lady who reared her was worried, but she assured her that everything would be alright. Then she kissed her cheeks before walking towards the door. “I will be cautious, Sister Theresa,” she repeated as she walked towards the door.