Chapter 5: Blood and Blossoms

For a year and a half, we were left alone. It was... pleasant.

We found joy in the little things—sunrises, laughter, the taste of fresh bread. It was a life worth living.

We weren’t really heroines, but our dreams were slowly taking root.

We worked odd jobs, helped those in need, made a difference where we could.

If there was a job at the detective agency, we took it; the house’s old business revived.

We became known as problem-solvers, people you could trust. The world was opening up to us, one day at a time.

It was much better.

We were happy, for the first time in a long time.

If not for a letter from the house girls, maybe life would have been carefree.

The letter arrived one morning. The words were smudged with tears. My heart sank.

Every word in the letter was clear.

The madam who raised the house all her life had died.

The news hit us hard. The madam had been our rock, our guide. We mourned her loss together.

After reading, Autumn’s face darkened.

She pressed her lips together, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“It was an old illness,” Autumn said as she handed me the tear-stained letter. “Ma’am’s health was already poor.”

Her voice was soft, full of regret. I squeezed her hand, offering what comfort I could.

Autumn’s voice trembled.

She wiped her eyes, trying to stay strong. I admired her for it.

“She told us she was glad that in troubled times, someone could care for the house girls.” Autumn calmed herself. “She hoped we’d succeed.”

Her words were a blessing, a final wish. We promised to honor it.

Autumn and I returned to the house to arrange the funeral.

The house was quiet, the girls gathered in mourning. We moved through the halls, lost in memories.

Her body was placed in the center, white lilies all around.

The scent of flowers filled the air, masking the smell of grief. We stood in silence, paying our respects.

The girls wailed loudly.

Their cries echoed through the house, a chorus of sorrow and love.

The madam spent most of her life raising these girls, so there was deep feeling.

She was more than a boss—she was family. We mourned her together, united in our loss.

The world felt colder without her, but we carried her memory with us. Paper snowflakes drifted down, settling on her casket. I reached out, touching the cool paper, thinking of all the winters she’d endured.

The old days were gone forever.

We closed that chapter, but the story wasn’t over.

During this, housekeepers from Caleb’s house came to look for Autumn.

They arrived unannounced, their eyes sharp and suspicious. We braced ourselves for trouble.

We had the girls say at the door, “The lady? She’s gone out to a distant church to pray for the sheriff.”

The lie was simple, but effective. The housekeepers left, grumbling under their breath.

The housekeepers left suspiciously.

We watched them go, relief flooding through us. For now, we were safe.

Maybe they doubted, but officially Autumn was still Caleb’s mistress.

We played the part, knowing it was only a matter of time before the truth came out.

Crossing your superiors wasn’t allowed.

We walked a fine line, always one step away from disaster.

This made things easier for us.

For now, at least, we could breathe.

After the funeral, Autumn and I kept wandering.

We packed our bags, hitting the road once more. The world was wide, and we were ready for it.

When we heard of Caleb’s victory, I was roasting fish by the river for Autumn.

The smell of smoke and fish filled the air. Autumn sat beside me, her eyes bright with anticipation.

“Smells so good!” Autumn praised my cooking, licking the meat clean.

She grinned, her face smudged with soot. I laughed, handing her another piece. The night air was cool, the fire crackling between us.

“My family was strict, never let me eat barbecue or street food. I envied classmates who were free.” She sighed, her eyes brightening.

She told stories of her childhood, of rules and restrictions. I listened, grateful for the freedom we’d found together.

“Dry your wet clothes too—you’ll need them tomorrow.” I patted her head; we’d had so many jobs lately, we changed outfits often, and sometimes they never dried.

She laughed, hanging her clothes over the fire. The simple things brought us the most joy.

She nodded, putting the clothes on the rack over the fire.

The flames crackled, casting shadows on the ground. We sat in companionable silence, watching the stars.

“Recently, a corrupt official was just dealt with. The government found a hundred thousand dollars in his house. I’ve never seen so much money, I wonder what he thought.” Autumn said, her voice hoarse.

She shook her head, marveling at the greed of men. I shrugged, knowing some things never change.

I looked up, slowly: “Where there are people, there are struggles. Everyone has desires, but if you’re consumed by them, there’s no good end.”

My words were heavy, but true. Autumn nodded, understanding. I wondered if she was thinking of Caleb, or maybe her own past.

“That’s true.” Autumn smiled.

She leaned back, gazing up at the stars. For a moment, we were content.

“Last fish, then sleep.” I watched Autumn drowsy. “I’ll keep watch.”

She yawned, curling up in her blanket. I sat beside her, watching over her as she slept.

Autumn obediently went to sleep.

Her breathing slowed, her face relaxing. I smiled, grateful for this moment of peace.

Maybe Mariah’s body-shifting spell had side effects. Autumn sometimes lacked energy, so she slept more. I hoped to get more jobs, maybe find a good doctor for her.

I made a mental note to look for a doctor in the next town. Autumn deserved the best care I could give her.

When Autumn heard Caleb was returning to the city, we were on a job.

The news spread quickly, rumors flying. We braced ourselves for what was to come.

The man in front of us retreated in panic: “You can’t kill me, I’m Caleb’s man! Caleb is back! Caleb… Caleb will avenge me!”

His voice was shrill, desperate. Autumn didn’t flinch.

“Ah!” With a shriek, his head flew off, and Autumn’s blade dripped blood.

She moved with a kind of ruthless focus, her eyes cold. I watched in awe, both proud and afraid.

“Fool,” she said calmly.

Her voice was steady, unbothered. She wiped her blade clean, turning away.

Maybe her hatred for Caleb filled her heart. This usually calm, sometimes sweet girl always lost control when it came to Caleb.

Her anger was a fire, burning bright and hot. I worried it would consume her.

“Do you know! I wish I could skin him alive!” She was always like this, loving and hating boldly.

Her words were sharp, but her pain was real. I wished I could help her let go.

Even when she heard Caleb brought back a foreign woman, she wasn’t moved.

She shrugged, unconcerned. Her focus was on survival, not jealousy.

“I just think it’s funny,” she said. “Big shots marrying for power is just a convenient trade. Other sheriffs have more achievements, now he wants to marry a foreign woman as wife, just asking for trouble.”

She laughed, the sound bitter. The world was full of hypocrisy, and she’d had enough of it.

She joked, but with hidden anger. A bug flying by her hand was instantly crushed.

She watched the bug fall, her expression unreadable. I wondered what she was thinking.

Autumn wasn’t worried about that woman—just a stranger.

She didn’t see her as a threat, just another pawn in Caleb’s game.

But she worried about Aiden, who was still young.

Her son was her greatest concern. She’d do anything to protect him.

Maybe he’d become a thorn in the future wife’s side.

She feared for his safety, knowing the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

“Do you plan to take Aiden out?” I asked.

My voice was gentle, but the question was serious.

She frowned: “No. But this is a good opportunity, maybe we can use it.”

Her mind was always working, always looking for an advantage.

Her finger circled on the map.

She traced the routes, her eyes sharp. She was planning something big. My stomach flipped with anticipation.

“These are the only routes for Caleb to enter city hall. We can ambush ahead.” Her eyes sparkled, innocent yet cruel.

She smiled, her plan taking shape. I nodded, ready to follow her lead.

“Then, one fatal blow.” Autumn smiled, eyes curved.

Her smile was sweet, but her words were deadly. I shivered, but I trusted her.

“I think the treasures in Caleb’s house will be claimed too. Good idea.” I agreed.

We were in this together, come what may.

Her finger traced the coffee, leaving a ring.

She watched the ring spread, lost in thought. I wondered what she was thinking.

“How can he not suffer, after all I’ve been through!”

Her voice was full of anger, but also hope. She wanted justice, and I wanted it for her.

The house girls organized early, bringing weapons and tools. They prepared to ambush with fire and blades as Caleb’s car passed through the city.

The girls moved with purpose, their faces set. I was proud of them, and of Autumn.

Autumn said she’d make a show, so she took Bibles bought from the market and rushed back to Caleb’s house.

She moved quickly, her plan unfolding. I watched from the shadows, ready to help.

The housekeepers complained about Autumn’s late return, but ignored the kite and drug she hid in her sleeve.

They grumbled, but didn’t question her. That was their mistake.

I led the house girls selling embroidery on the street, passing information through the embroidery.

We worked in secret, our messages hidden in plain sight. It was risky, but necessary.

Meanwhile, Autumn put medicine in Aiden’s soup.

Her hands shook as she worked, her heart heavy with guilt. But she knew it was the only way.

“Aiden, mom is sorry.” She kissed his forehead, covering his eyes with her hand.

Her voice was full of love, her touch gentle. I watched, tears in my eyes.

“This world is filthy, don’t look.” Autumn sighed, “Mom loves you.”

Her words were a promise, a prayer. I hoped he’d understand, someday.

Then, with a shrill cry, she called: “Aiden, Aiden! Someone help! The little boy is dying!”

Her voice echoed through the house, panic and fear mingling. The housekeepers rushed in, chaos erupting.

In the chaos, tables and dishes overturned.

The room was a mess, people shouting and crying. I slipped through the crowd, searching for Autumn.

No one noticed a little maid slip in.

She moved quickly, her eyes sharp. I recognized her—one of our own.

“Lady, the kite is flying.” That was our signal.

I nodded, ready to move.

“Let’s go.” Her tears fell on her lips, but she smiled.

Her smile was brave, defiant. I followed her, my heart pounding.

The kite soared, the string could never hold her again.

We were free, at least for now.

The wife’s motorcade reached the city street, but inside was not Autumn, but Hailey.

The switch had worked. Hailey played her part perfectly, her face hidden behind a veil.

A few days ago, she came to me.

She’d asked to join us, her voice full of regret. I’d hesitated, but in the end, I trusted her.

“I heard you’re planning something.” She seemed very confident.

Her eyes were sharp, her voice steady. I nodded, letting her in on the plan.

“The madam told you?” I asked. Of course, apart from the trusted madam, who else would be so kind?

She smiled, her eyes shining with mischief. “Maybe.”

She didn’t deny: “Yes.”

Her honesty was refreshing, if a little unnerving.

“Are you worried about your husband’s career or the house’s safety?” I asked.

I needed to know where her loyalties lay.

She avoided the question, only said: “I want to join.”

Her answer was enough. I nodded, welcoming her back.

So, to make up for her betrayal, Hailey was in Autumn’s car.

She played her part perfectly, her nerves hidden behind a mask of confidence.

She put on lipstick, wore a formal dress, and looked a bit like Autumn.

The resemblance was uncanny. I hoped it would be enough to fool Caleb.

Surrounded by staff, her car moved toward city hall. People on the street watched the wife’s pearl-inlaid car amid flowers and goods.

The procession was grand, a distraction for what was really happening.

Autumn’s face was hidden under a baseball cap, the veil fluttering in the wind. A different aura, but equally beautiful.

She moved through the crowd, her eyes sharp and focused. I followed, ready for anything.

The madam applied disguise cream on her face.

Her hands were steady, her touch gentle. She smiled, proud of her work.

“Looks like the old me,” she said, satisfied.

Her words made me smile. The past and present, coming together at last.

I understood—she meant the gentle girl who loved cheesecake.

I nodded, drawing long black eyeliner on her eyes.

Her eyes sparkled, full of determination. I handed her the dagger, our final weapon.

“Looks great,” I said.

She grinned, her confidence restored. We were ready. I could feel the electricity in the air.

She mused: “In our place, this is called villainess makeup. Now I get why people like it.”

Her words made me laugh. Even in the darkest moments, she found humor.

As we spoke, armor was tied on her by maids.

The metal was cold, but it gave her strength. She stood tall, ready for battle.

I didn’t say ‘why.’

Some things don’t need words.

Maybe I understood, the dragon-slaying girl raised her sword and cut all the thorns.

She was a force of nature—unstoppable when she set her mind to something. I’d never seen anyone so brave.

She wasn’t a princess waiting in a tower, but a dragon rider soaring the skies.

She’d written her own story, on her own terms.

Our wish was never to wait for rescue. We just needed strength to break all barriers.

We were our own heroes, at last.

When the kite’s flute sounded, Autumn and I rushed out from behind fabric.

The signal was clear. We moved as one, our hearts pounding in unison.

A spear whistled through the air, stabbing the ground before Caleb’s car. He hurriedly rolled down the window, seeing attackers all around, panic on his face.

The chaos was total, the world spinning out of control. I watched as Autumn stepped forward, her eyes blazing.

“Go!” he shouted. The driver floored it.

The car lurched forward, but we were ready. The girls closed in, weapons drawn.

Tires, weapons, chaos. A black shadow broke through—it was Autumn.

She moved with a predator’s grace, silent and swift. Caleb’s eyes widened in fear.

Her black veil swayed in the sun, ghostly. She was so striking, like a night with moon and stars.

She was beautiful, even in battle. I watched, awestruck.

Maybe it was days before, when she lay on the bed, looking into my eyes.

She’d asked me if I was afraid. I’d told her no, and I meant it.

“If we fail, what will happen?” she asked.

Her voice was soft, but her eyes were hard.

“Death.” I answered. Treason was punishable by death, but I had reasons to do it.

I wasn’t afraid—not anymore.

She smiled: “Are you afraid?”

Her smile was sad, but brave. I shook my head.

“No.” More than death, I feared never seeing light in chaos. I could have endured it all—if I’d never left the house, I’d be a singer or a beggar. But after meeting Autumn, I knew the sky was so bright, I could stand in the sun.

She nodded, understanding. We were in this together, come what may.

“Me neither.”

Her hand found mine, the first sunlight of spring shining through our fingers.

She reached out, the first spring sunlight shining through her hand into her eyes.

Hope flickered in her gaze, a promise of better days to come.

Caleb saw Autumn and let down his guard.

He smiled, thinking he’d won. He was wrong.

He asked maliciously: “Why isn’t my little mistress staying in the house? It’s dangerous outside—be careful, weapons have no eyes.”

His words were taunting, but Autumn didn’t flinch.

Autumn’s expression didn’t change, frowning.

She stepped forward, her eyes cold. “I never agreed. Is the house’s morality about forced marriage?”

Her voice was steady, unafraid. Caleb’s smile faded.

“Savannah Lane, I just took another wife. Don’t be jealous.” How ridiculous that the sheriff thought she was just jealous.

He laughed, but there was fear in his eyes. He knew he’d lost control.

Autumn’s dagger flashed, white light across my eyes, at Caleb’s throat.

The blade was quick, precise. Blood blossomed on his neck, a red flower against pale skin.

“I was born clean, most hate people like you—hypocritical, greedy, two-faced.” Her brows furrowed. “Also, my name is Autumn Lane.”

Her words were a declaration, a final act of defiance.

The blade cut Caleb’s throat, blood beading.

He gasped, clutching his neck. The world seemed to freeze.

She flicked her wrist, the dagger spun in the air.

It landed at my feet, a symbol of everything we’d fought for.

Caleb’s scream was lost in the noisy street, like a stone thrown into water.

The world moved on, indifferent to his pain.

Blood splattered, her face stained, like a blooming flower from hell.

She stood tall, unafraid. I watched, proud and terrified.

Blood and white skin contrasted. Like a poem. Like a painting. I could never forget that image.

“This is me, revenge fulfilled.” She smiled. Caleb’s body fell behind her.

Her smile was sad, but triumphant. The world would never be the same.

Guards watched her warily, but she raised her hand defiantly.

She surrendered, her head held high. I watched, tears streaming down my face.

“I’m willing to be captured.” She smiled. “Autumn, take care. This hell, I’m leaving—don’t come again.”

Her words were a farewell, a promise. I nodded, unable to speak.

I watched her taken away, she didn’t bow her head, still happy.

She was free, at last.

I remembered that morning, she whispered in my ear, “Autumn, I’m going home.”

Her words echoed in my mind, a promise of peace.

So, that’s what she meant by going home.

She was finally free, in her own way.

I rushed to find her.

I ran through the streets, desperate to see her one last time.

Chasing the police van.

My legs burned, my lungs ached, but I didn’t stop.

So, she was always Autumn Lane, living in another world.

She’d never belonged here, not really. But she’d made a difference, and that was enough. I wondered if she knew how much she mattered.

Not Savannah Lane trapped in my shell.

She’d found her own way, her own path.

She always loved that other world.

Her heart belonged elsewhere, but she’d left a piece of it here.

The vivid girl I saw would never be buried in decay.

She’d live on, in memory and legend.

She bloomed brilliantly.

Her spirit was unbreakable, her courage unmatched. I could almost see her smile in the sunlight, even now.

Turning hardship into nourishment, spreading her branches.

She’d turned pain into strength, sorrow into hope.

I wanted to save her.

I ran faster, my heart pounding in my chest.

I knew, she didn’t need saving. Maybe she was just tired, wanting to go home.

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is let go.

But I couldn’t watch her die.

I refused to give up, not now.

On the long street, I knelt with each step.

My knees hit the pavement, my hands trembling. I prayed for a miracle. The cold seeped up through my bones.

“Citizen Savannah Lane accuses Caleb Whitaker of three crimes.”

My voice rang out, clear and strong. The crowd fell silent, listening.

Blood dripped on the concrete.

My wounds ached, but I didn’t care. I had to speak the truth.

My forehead was swollen, but I had no time.

Pain faded into the background. Only justice mattered now.

I spoke clearly, kneeling step by step: “First, Caleb’s house hoards cash, greedy for the people’s sweat and tears.”

The evidence was in my hands, collected at great risk. I held it up, daring anyone to challenge me.

The evidence was collected by Autumn, at great effort.

She’d risked everything to bring the truth to light.

I clenched the papers.

My hands shook, but I refused to let go.

It hurt, but I couldn’t fall.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to keep going.

“Second, Caleb allowed his wives to harm his children.”

The words tasted bitter, but they had to be said.

Tip from Hailey.

She’d risked everything to bring me the truth. I owed her that much.

I didn’t know if it was a blessing for Autumn. At least she didn’t know.

Some truths are too painful to bear.

Hailey sent word that the foreign wife woke Aiden.

Her words were rushed, desperate. I read them over and over, hoping for a different ending.

Aiden, so young, cried for Autumn.

His cries echoed in my mind, haunting me.

The foreign wife coaxed him: “Go find your mom.”

Her words were cold, uncaring. I hated her for it.

But on the street, with weapons everywhere, how could a child survive?

He never stood a chance. My heart broke for him.

I couldn’t bear to think what he went through; when I saw him again, his face was blue beneath a blanket.

I closed his eyes, whispering a prayer for his soul. He deserved better.

My heart broke as I closed his wide eyes.

Tears streamed down my face. I vowed to make Caleb pay.

I always thought parents’ grudges shouldn’t hurt children, but how could she be so cruel to a child?

The world is full of monsters. I swore I’d never become one of them.

Blood on the pavement like apple blossoms.

The image haunted me, a reminder of all we’d lost.

It chilled my heart, but I had to go on.

I forced myself to keep going, to finish what I’d started.

“Third, Caleb forcibly took a common girl, defying the law.” My voice grew louder.

The crowd murmured, shocked by the accusation. I stood my ground, unafraid.

I didn’t know if I could save Autumn, but I had to clear her name.

She deserved justice, no matter the cost.

She was innocent from start to finish.

Her soul was pure, her heart true. I wanted the world to know it.

I remembered when she first came to me, saying:

“Let me help you.”

Her words were a lifeline, a promise. I clung to them, even now.

That pure, clean soul from another world, always by my side.

She’d changed my life—she’d given me hope, shown me a way out. That’s how she changed me.

Now, I so wanted to help her.

I would do anything to save her, to bring her home.

But the sky was too heavy, I couldn’t breathe.

The weight of the world pressed down on me, but I refused to give up.

It was absurd, but I was helpless.

Sometimes, all you can do is hope.

Before I fainted, I seemed to hear a sharp voice.

The world faded to black, the voices echoing in my mind.

“The governor summons the girl to city hall… girl…”

The words drifted in and out, like a dream I couldn’t quite remember.

But I had no strength left, and fell.

The world went dark, and I surrendered to it.

When I woke, Mariah was feeding me medicine.

Her hands were gentle, her eyes kind. I blinked, confused.

“Finally awake?” she glanced at me. “Never seen people torment themselves so.”

Her words were sharp, but there was love behind them.

“Mom… sorry.” I lowered my head.

I felt like a child again, ashamed and grateful.

“Never mind, it’s over,” she said slowly. “The governor found a million dollars in Caleb’s safe, and evidence of his crimes. It’s settled.”

Her words brought relief, but also sorrow. The fight was over, but the cost was high.

“But,” she saw my thoughts, hesitated, “that girl… is gone. Don’t worry. I pulled her here by accident with my spell—now she’s been sent back.”

Her words hit me like a punch. I wanted to see Autumn one last time, to say goodbye.

“It’s my fault! I wronged her…” I burst into tears. I knew she helped me so much, but I couldn’t save her.

Mariah was silent, handed me a handkerchief.

She let me cry, her hand on my shoulder. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

“She’s like I was, don’t worry. She’ll live well elsewhere.”

Her words were a comfort, a promise. I clung to them, hoping they were true.

The governor posted notices.

The news spread quickly, the town buzzing with gossip. Justice had finally been served.

Listing all of Caleb’s crimes, stripping his title, exiling the foreign wife.

The world moved on, but the scars remained.

I kept the Rosewood House, opening a girls’ school.

I wanted to give the girls a better future—let them go to college, start businesses, work in government. Real choices, real freedom.

I told them, once a woman came, strong and powerful, changing the fate of the house girls.

Her story became legend, inspiring generations to come.

Letting them leave the small building, do business, enter government.

The world was opening up, and the girls were ready for it.

When the apple tree bloomed, spring was at its best.

The world felt new again, full of hope and promise. The air was sweet with blossoms. I breathed it in, letting it fill me.

I stroked my gray hair and slept.

I closed my eyes, content at last.

Who knows how many flowers fall in dreams.

I dreamed of apple blossoms, of laughter and love, of a world made new.

(The End)