Chapter 11: Ink and Silence

Inside the calligraphy room, the faint scent of ink hung in the air.

The old woman overseeing the punishment was merciless, her eyes sharp. The ruler in her hand sliced through the silence.

"Your strokes are weak, your lines are inconsistent! how can you expect discipline in life? Unacceptable" She snapped. "Do it again."

A piece of parchment was snatched up and tossed aside.

The punishment was standard. For every error, the ruler would come down across their hands.

"Five hours?" someone muttered. "Forget getting out of here until she's satisfied."

Evelyn grumbled under her breath as she dipped her brush into the ink. "This is ridiculous."

"I heard Second Sister was locked in the Black Room," the Sixth Lady–Camilla Hill–murmured, glancing up. "Third Sister, is that true?"

"She should count herself lucky." Evelyn scoffed, her brush halting for a second. "It wouldn't have ended so easily if she weren't engaged to that family."

Liliana focused on her brushstrokes, barely lifting her eyes as she spoke softly.

"Third Sister, you'd better not say what you shouldn't."

Evelyn's expression shifted, lips parting as if to retort, but when her gaze met Liliana's calm, unwavering one, she hesitated. She pressed her lips together and focused back on her paper.

The punishment dragged on. Some received only a few strikes while others suffered more. Liliana, despite her flawless strokes, wasn't spared–three lashes against her hand.

She took them silently.

Evelyn sighed, spreading out a fresh sheet of parchment. "This old woman really thinks she's something," she muttered, barely audible.

Liliana's hand trembled slightly from the sting, her wrist ached from the repetitive strokes. but she steadied it. Her brush moved fluidly across the paper. She lowered her lashes, her face as serene as ever, as if the ruler had never touched her.

The ink dried. The hours dragged. And the ruler waited for its next victim.

One of the younger girls broke down, silent tears falling onto her parchment.

Instead of sympathy, the old woman's sharp eyes hardened.

"Crying? Do you think tears will save you?" The ruler struck down against the table with a crisp snap. "If you have the energy to weep, then you have the energy to correct your mistakes. Pick up your brush."

The girl bit her lip, trying to stifle her sobs.

By the time they were finally dismissed, everyone's hands were raw.

Outside, a few girls whispered their complaints.

"My hands are burning," one muttered, flexing her fingers..

Another sighed "I can't believe we were all dragged into this."

Slowly, the group dispersed, each returning to her own quarters—some with servants waiting to tend to them, others with mothers who would scold yet still secretly apply ointment.

Liliana, however, returned to cold silence.

The four walls of her room greeted her like an old companion, its air still, its presence suffocating yet familiar.

Her stomach twisted with hunger, a dull ache that she had long since learned to ignore., but there was no meal waiting for her. The others had their parents–someone to send food, to care.

She had only herself.

Liliana sat by the window, letting the heat seep into her skin, dulling the sting on her hands, and numbing the sharp pangs in her stomach. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, casting long, golden shadows on the floor.

The warmth glistened faintly against the sweat on her skin.

The pain would pass.

It always did.

–––

Everyone seemed to forget the events of the previous nights, slipping back into their daily routines as if nothing had happened–except for one.

The First Madam emerged from the study, walking alongside the family doctor. Concern flickered in her usually composed expression.

"How is she?" she asked softly.

"She's stable," the doctor assured her. "Make sure she rests and avoids any further agitation."

The First Madam sighed, her brows knitting slightly. "I'll speak with Father about giving her some time to recover."

The older doctor, accustomed to the family's way, nodded respectfully. "of course, Madam. I'll check on her condition again in a few days,"

Liliana observed from a short distance away, her hands lightly folded in front of her. The First Madam glanced over, her expression returning to its usual calm.

Liliana barely acknowledged it with a glance before heading out. The doorman met her eyes briefly but said nothing as she walked out.

A striking red sports car pulled up at the high school entrance, immediately drawing attention. Ari stepped out, her usual flamboyance on full display.

Liliana said nothing about her friend's dramatic choices, her gaze shifting to the school gate.

Their purpose here was simple: to pick up Liliana's younger sister, Azalea Hill.

Soon, Azalea appeared, surrounded by a group of classmates bidding her reluctant goodbyes. She waved them off before skipping toward them, her energy as bright as ever.

"Hey, baby! How was school?" Ari leaned lazily against the car, tossing her keys in her palm.

"Sister Ari!" Azalea beamed, hugging Ari before turning to Liliana. "Sister, how are things at home?"

Liliana ruffled her hair. "What's a little girl worrying about? Just focus on your studies." She flicked Azalea's forehead lightly before leading her to the car.

Azalea pouted but let it go as she climbed into the car.

Ari slid into the driver's seat. "So, where to? Ice cream? Shopping? We could hit the spa–"

Liliana shook her head. "Better not. It's been chaotic enough lately. Better to stay low for a while."

Ari clicked her tongue in disappointment. "Fine, fine. Straight to the dungeon, then."

The ride home was uneventful. The car sped off as the dust settled. Azalea happily chatted about her day.

Once they arrived, Julienne only took a few essentials from her luggage–she was leaving again soon. The servants welcomed her back, her room was spotless, and her daily necessities were carefully arranged.

"Everything's just like you left it, Eighth Lady." A maid bowed slightly.

Azalea smiled. "Thank you."

Liliana lingered for a moment before stepping away, her mind elsewhere, letting her little sister settle in.