Chapter 10 - The Dawn at Blackwood
Six months later.
The dark, oppressive fog that had shrouded the coastline for decades seemed to have lifted forever. Bright summer sunlight poured over the cliffs, illuminating the blue ocean waters below.
Blackwood Manor was no longer a cold, dark fortress of terror.
Under Anna’s direction, with the help of Mrs. Gable and the local authorities, the dark secrets of the Vance family had been fully brought to light. The ancient dark ledgers were destroyed in a solemn fire, and the estate’s massive, untainted fortune was legally repurposed.
The sinister manor was converted into a grand seaside sanctuary and school for orphaned girls—a place of learning, warmth, and safety.
On a warm July morning, Anna stood in the renovated second-floor hallway.
The dark gothic wall sconces had been replaced with bright brass lanterns and fresh flowers. The sound of children’s laughter and piano music echoed from the courtyard below.
Mrs. Gable walked up beside her, carrying a tray of fresh tea and pastries. The old housekeeper looked ten years younger, her cheeks full of color, her eyes bright and at peace.
"The new shipment of books has arrived from the city, Miss Anna," Mrs. Gable reported with a warm smile. "The girls are thrilled."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gable," Anna smiled, taking a cup of tea.
Anna turned her eyes toward the far end of the hallway.
Where the ancient, cursed oak mirror had once hung, there was now a tall, beautiful glass window overlooking the vast, sparkling sea.
Anna walked over to the window, resting her hand against the clean, sun-warmed glass. Down below on the cliffside path, a marble monument stood proudly against the horizon—a memorial dedicated to Clara and all the lost women of Blackwood.
Anna looked at her reflection in the bright windowpane. She wore a simple, elegant yellow summer dress. Her skin was healthy, her dark eyes clear and filled with life.
There was no blood. There were no ghosts. There were no shadows lurking in the glass.
May you like
She smiled at her reflection, and for a brief second, in the warm golden light dancing off the ocean waves, she caught the faint, subtle reflection of Clara standing beside her—smiling back, peaceful, and finally at rest.
Anna took a sip of her tea, turned away from the glass, and walked down the hall to join the children in the sunlit garden.
