Tori Transmigrated Chapter 185: Now Who's Crazy

Was it a tragic love story or just a tale of revenge? No matter how Tori looked at it, it was both. On one side, a young, fragile love was broken after betrayal and madness. On the other side, one partner resented the other so much that she asked to be buried in a place where he could never find her, if only to deprive him of the ability to be near her remains.

Tori sat on the edge of her bed, stroking her mothers hair back as Antonia lay across her bed, tired after angrily crying and cursing Cillian Kelly. To so extent, Antonia blad Rebecca, but most of the bla fell on Cillian. Tori agreed with her mother, if only because Cillian ignored their warnings and his wifes concerns, and continued to see his childhood friend, who ended up drugging and manipulating him.

Even if he was a victim, Tori didnt feel the need to paint him as such or try to find excuses to his behavior. Regardless of how much of the story she understood, she wouldnt find pity for him, even if he did lose his mind.

There was a small group of Guevera knights stationed at the border not only for security, but to protect and maintain the tomb of Genevieve Alvere. They were to patrol the area every other day, but not follow a set routine, so as not to leave traces in the area. Toris mother said she was buried in a simple stone sarcophagus that blended into the stone boulders deep within a cave in the mountains. The knights also kept the sarcophagus free of dirt and debris, as well as made sure no animals settled in the cave.

The cave itself was difficult to find, as it was surrounded by trees and foliage in a dense part of the forest. The entrance was blocked by rocks and to enter, one would have to squeeze through a crack in the stone. The sarcophagus wasnt carried inside. There was no way for it to fit without breaking through the rocks to make a larger entrance.

It was carved into the stone by several stone workers who were taken from different parts of Sur in secret. They had no idea where they were, and they werent allowed to talk at all during the ti they carved. They were told it was to hold the body of a mountain bandit after they were hired and brought to an unknown location. Afterwards, they were made to drink a lot of alcohol and returned to their hos with hefty compensation, sworn to secrecy.

This had all been arranged well before Genevieve died. When she did, the plans were already in place to take her out of Sun Garden and bury her in a place where her husband couldnt find her body.

But after more than a dozen years, Cillian found her.

They would never know how he found her, as when the knights ca to check, he was already dead of poison, laying on top of Genevieves sarcophagus as if embracing it. There was no telling marker or words carved into the stone to let others know who was buried there. There werent even religious markers usually used for graves. In fact, it shouldnt even have appeared as a sarcophagus in the first place.

Yet, Cillian died there.

Tori was believed he knew whose grave it was, and no one could convince her otherwise.

They said the poison was green celia mixed with streaked red truffle.... Her mother let out a bitter laugh. That bastard had a painless death. How dare he have a painless death! Gen writhed in pain, wasting away until death took her, and his death....

Mama.... Tori held her mothers hand to try to offer her comfort.

Antonia closed her eyes tight as tears rimd her dark lashes. He was smiling, Tori. He was smiling because he found her. He never shouldve found her. She didnt want him near her body.

Axton will see to it that they wont be buried near each other, Tori told her mother. She hadnt asked Axton yet, but she was sure of that. Her mother had already called Axton to tell him about his father, and once Toris father ca to get her mother, Tori would call Piers to check on Axton through him.

He should be buried with that despicable bitch, Antonia said with gritted teeth. Let them be together forever after what they did to Gen.

Im sure thats what Axtons plan is, Tori replied, still trying to comfort her mother. Montan Alvere said he doesnt care.

Antonia took a deep breath and was quiet for a mont. You know what she told about that boy? She said, his eyes look like his fathers...more than Axtons do. You know he never had a trifecta ceremony?

What? Tori drew her head back. Really? But...he was still Duke Alveres son. I would think he wouldve done it for show.

Antonia let out another bitter laugh. Hell put on a show, as long as it doesn't require effort. With no blood or legal ties to him, Gen couldnt give the boy a ceremony. She couldnt give him a godmother. Even if she could, they would need to consider his circumstances. She was quiet for a bit. Her voice was hoarse. Do you think I am hateful for abandoning Gen for so long?

No, Tori said with a small shake of her head. Everyone has a level of tolerance. I know you had your reasons. And what could you have done if she didnt listen to you?

Antonia scoffed a bit and opened her eyes. Sotis, I wonder if I couldve changed anything. I used our friendship as a last resort to try to get her to end the engagent.... Her mother choked back a cry. I was so angry, Tori. I know she felt she had a duty, but why did she pick that bastard over ?

Mama.... Toris eyes reddened. Maybe she picked him because she knew he needed her more than you needed her. You had Papa, and Sebby...then Kasey. You had your parents and the Empress. You are stronger than the forr duke.

Then I shouldve saved her, Antonia said. She was like a sister to . I loved her more than I love Fabiana. She laughed with tears in her eyes as she shook her head. I shouldve done more for her.

Mama, you guarded her grave, Tori told her in a soft voice. You protected her and her son when you could.

Monica did most of the work. Antonia looked up at the bed canopy. Tori, how is Montan Alvere?

Hes quiet, a diligent worker. Particularly good at charms and Old Sulfae, but needs a proper foundation. He wants to support those who are good to him. He looks at Axton with this idolizing gaze.

Like Gideon to Piers?

Not yet.... Tori cringed. Do you want to et him?

Im not sure, her mother replied. I am afraid that if he looks too much like Cillian, I will slap him.

Tori chuckled. He works for at Duel. When you called us about his mother, I called the manager and put them on alert, as well as ordered them to keep Montan inside.

Antonia shifted on the bed to look at her daughter. Youre protecting him.

Hes my employee, so its sort of an investnt in personnel.

Antonia smiled and lifted her free hand to cup her daughters face. You are, without a doubt, a Guevera. Her eyes softened as she t Toris.

Of course, shes a Guevera. She looks just like , her fathers proud voice ca from the doorway.

Papa. Tori smiled and waved for him to co in. I was expecting you.

She said she was going to tell you and never ca back, Gregorio said with a tired sigh. He looked at his wife on the bed as Tori stood up and gave them so room. Did you co to cry to our daughter? Im hurt you didnt co to for comfort.

I didnt expect to cry. It just happened, Antonia replied as she sniffled. She raised her arms. All right. Take to rest. Its late. Ive bothered our baby long enough.

Mama, youre not a bother.

No, no, Antonia said as Gregorio bent over and put his arms beneath her to pick her up. She seed weightless in his arms and Tori tried not to smile with amusent. She knew her father was going to carry her mother out and all the way to their room like that. I know you have things to do.

Tori chuckled and shook her head. What things?

Your comcry has been glowing on your bedside table for so ti now. Its Piers. Her mother frowned a bit. Monica said you talked with him every night, but I didnt believe her.

Every night? Gregorio asked in a low voice.

We have important matters to discuss, Tori said, keeping a straight face. I need to ask how Axton is doing.

Antonia seed to beco limper in Gregorios arms. Ask him what Axtons plans are.

Tori nodded. I will. She saw her parents out and closed the door before going to call Piers. As soon as he answered, she asked about Axton.

Piers hesitated. We are on our way to collect the bodies.

Tori knit her brows. Bodies? Plural?

Im taking my mother back. Axtons voice filled her ears. He mustve been with Piers. She didnt want to be buried in Sun Garden, but her tomb in the forest wasnt supposed to be her permanent resting place. It was just where she wanted to hide while my father was alive.

Tori found herself nodding as she sat on the edge of her bed. If she will not be buried in Sun Garden, where will she be buried?

Her mother, my grandmothers ancestral estate, Nassaun House. Its on the border with Horizon. The estate is being repaired, as it was left uninhabited for a while, but there is an ancestral crypt there, Axton replied. As if knowing what else shed ask, he continued. My father and his mistress will be buried in the cetery outside the village where they grew up.

Tori held her breath for a mont. Does Montan know?

I havent told him yet, he said. Mother will be sent ahead to Nassaun House, but I will see to the burial in the village. I dont know if hell want to co. When I called him, he seed as if none of this mattered to him.

...Everyone grieves differently, she said in a soft voice. Axton...how are you?

She heard him take a deep breath, but he didnt answer for a while. I dont know.

That is valid, she replied without a pause. Whatever youre feeling, its all right to feel that way.

She heard a trembling breath and then so choked cries. I hate that he loved her. I hate that he spent his last monts elated that he found her. Why did he have to love her like a madman? Why? He wheezed into the comcry. It would be so much easier to hate him if he didnt.

Tori closed her eyes tight and let the tears stream down her face. She wished she could be with them so she could embrace Axton and offer him comfort.

Piers.... she said in a tight voice after so ti.

...All right. She heard shuffling and then a confused voice sounded.

Why are you touching ?

I am embracing you.

Why?

Because Tori is not here.

You think your hugs are the sa as Toris hugs? Axton scoffed. Now whos crazy.

Tori stared at her comcry. She thought Piers would just pat his shoulder and sit with him. I will hug you when I see you next, Tori said. Piers, I am depending on you to care for him.

I will.

Tori narrowed her eyes. He did not sound very attentive. Care for him like I would care for Ilyana. Those were better instructions. She didnt know what expression Piers was making in silence, but she assud it was disgust. Piers.

...I will...try. He ended the call and Tori put her comcry back on the bedside table. She stood up to change into her sleepwear and got ready for bed, but stopped.

Her eyes settled on the comcry and stared at it for a few monts. She bit her lips and picked up the device once more.

Call Montan Alvere. Sonia was right. She did care too much. After a few pulses, a quiet, solemn voice answered.

My lady?

Alvere, how are you feeling?

Pardon?

I know this is a strange call, Tori said as she paced beside her bed. She started to question whether she shouldve called him. But I wanted to ask how you are feeling with...everything?

He was quiet for a few monts. I am well. Tori glared at the comcry, a bit annoyed that was his answer, but didnt question him.

All right. If there is anything I can do as your boss, please dont hesitate to call . We do have processes for...family...ergencies. She didnt want to use death.

Thank you, my lady.

Tori grimaced. Well, this has been an awkward conversation. Dont strain yourself. I have so big news on a new addition to Duel when I get back, so well be busy.

Yes, my lady. Tori rolled her eyes and prepared to slide her finger across the crystal to end the call. My lady, it is not necessary for you to waste your attention and effort on . It is appreciated, but unnecessary.

Tori frowned. Are you talking about the staff keeping an eye on you and the increased security?

And calling .

Does it upset you because it is botherso to have the security asures in place that restrict you or does it upset you that I have expended effort to have them done for you? Tori asked. There was another pause.

It is not necessary, my lady.

Alvere, Tori said in a stern voice. Dont tell how to spend my ti, my money, or my effort. I am a Guevera and I protect my people, and unfortunately for you, youve beco one of them. You owe nothing for this. Nothing at all. So, do not overthink it. Just work without worry. Do you understand?

Yes, my lady.

Listen, Alvere. You can reject my good intentions all you want. Im annoyed, but I understand. However, do not think you are alone in this world, Tori told him with a bit of pleading in her voice. Youd break your brothers heart if he heard you feel that way.