Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess novel Chapter 1249

The metallic scent of blood hung in the air, making Sylvie’s heart race as she edged forward, calling out in a shaky voice, “Grandma? Grandma?”

Oliver’s hand went straight to the gun at his waist. He pulled Josefina behind him, shielding her with his body.

“I’ll go take a look. Stay here, okay?”

Josefina nodded, worry creasing her brow. “Be careful.”

Oliver crept forward, eyes sharp as he scanned the shadows, his finger hovering near the trigger.

That’s when the door swung open.

He jerked his arm up, gun aimed at whoever was standing there.

Kania appeared in the doorway. Her light gray dress was splattered with blood, the sight so jarring Sylvie almost screamed.

“Grandma, it’s me! Sylvie! Your granddaughter!” Sylvie rushed forward, desperate, voice breaking. “Please, Grandma, look at me!”

Then, in a whisper to Josefina, “Is it possible Grandma’s possessed or something?”

Josefina shook her head, keeping her voice low. “I’m not sure. I’d need to check her pulse, maybe get her looked at before we know for sure.”

Sylvie’s lips trembled as she called out, “Grandma, please… snap out of it.”

Oliver kept his gun trained on Kania, not taking any chances.

Kania looked them over, her gaze lingering on the gun. Even with her failing eyesight, she knew exactly what Oliver was holding. Did he seriously think he’d have to use it on her?

Sylvie’s voice cracked as she asked, “Grandma, what happened? There’s so much blood outside, and you’ve got it all over you!”

Josefina stepped forward, voice gentle. “Kania, Sylvie said you hadn’t been answering her messages. She was worried, so she asked me to come check on you.”

She added, “And this is my boyfriend. He came to help out.”

Oliver’s lips twitched. Would he ever be introduced as anything but the boyfriend? Was he that unpresentable?

Kania let out a soft laugh. “Oh, don’t worry. It’s not real blood—well, not human blood anyway. Just some old superstition stuff. I used black dog blood and rooster blood to ward off evil spirits. Nothing to be afraid of.”

“Josie, I’m sorry for worrying you all. I went to the temple a few days ago and drew a really bad fortune. Someone told me that black dog blood and rooster blood could help get rid of bad luck, so I tried it. I didn’t want to scare the kids or have them worry, so I just locked the door and handled it myself.”

How was she supposed to know Sylvie would bring Josefina?

Sylvie looked a little sheepish, rubbing her nose. “Grandma, you wouldn’t answer our calls or let us visit. I was worried.”

Josefina smiled warmly. “As long as you’re okay, Kania.”

“I’m sorry for making you come all this way, Josie.”

“I was planning to visit anyway. It’s really no trouble.”

Kania’s smile grew even softer, filling the room with a gentle, reassuring warmth.

Josefina took her chance to reach for Kania’s wrist and check her pulse, just to be sure.

A housekeeper soon arrived, carrying a tray of pastries, fresh fruit, and hot tea for everyone.