Chapter 20 A few days later , Nolan set out alone for Tibet . His assistant , worried about him , followed . Throughout the journey , Nolan remained unnaturally calm . He sat by the airplane window , gazing at the endless clouds below , his eyes hollow and empty . Upon reaching Tibet , Nolan headed straight for the site of Aurelias sky burial . The burial platform stood on a desolate hillside , surrounded by snow capped mountains , the air heavy with solemnity , Nolan stood before the platform , his eyes fixed on the remaining traces , his voice low What was it like … when it happened ? The assistant stood behind him , hesitation in his voice Sir , are you sure you want to hear this ? Nolans gaze remained on the platform , his voice steady Tell me . The assistant took a deep breath and began slowly That day , following the ritual , the burial master cut along Miss Thornes spine , dismembered her body , and crushed her bones with stones … The vultures came quickly . They consumed her organs first , then the bones , finally the flesh . The whole process was … swift and complete . The burial master said Miss Thornes soul was pure and would surely ascend to heaven . A flicker of something like a smile crossed Nolans eyes , his voice barely audible So she truly left me nothing The assistants heart sank , an ominous feeling washing over him . He opened his mouth but said nothing . For the next few days , Nolan maintained his eerie calm . He behaved like a genuine tourist , visiting many places and taking in the sights . He stood at the foot of a snow capped mountain , looking up at its majestic peak , his eyes still vacant . He visited temples , standing before Buddha statues , quietly observing their compassionate faces thout kneeling in prayer . The assistant followed , gradually relaxing his vigilance . Maybe Nolan really did just come to see the place where it happened . Maybe hed finally made his peace with everything . However , on the third evening . Nolan stood on the hotel balcony , his gaze fixed on the distant mountains , 06:52 Eternal Pledge , Where Mountains Tou 12.5 % Chayer 24 His voice barety andite ta y love , wait for me The water stood behind him , his heart constricting at those words . He wanted to speak but couldnt find his voice , The night breeze carried a chill . Nolans silhouette looked exceptionally solitary in the moonlight , as if he might disappear into the darkness at any moment . Mr.Creeds phone calls came one after another , filled with anxiety and urgency Theres too much happening at the company . When are you coming back ? Nolan hasnt fully recovered he cant stay away any longert The assistant held his phone in the hotel corridor , his eyes fixed on Nolans closed door , his heart anxious . Taking a deep breath , he finally summoned the courage to knock Come in , Nolans voice was calm and detached . The assistant opened the door to find Nolan sitting by the window , a cup of hot tea in his hands , gazing at the distant mountains . His silhouette in the morning light seemed particularly solitary , as if he belonged to another world . Sir , the assistant began cautiously , the company matters … have piled up considerably . Perhaps we should head back ? Without turning around , Nolan replied with an unnerving calmness Tomorrow . The assistant was startled by Nolans straightforward agreement . His unease subsided slightly nodded Got it . Ill make the arrangements . In the evening , Nolan left the hotel alone . The assistant wanted to follow but was gently rebuffed I need to walk alone . The assistant stood at the entrance of the hotel , watching Nolans silhouette fade into the sunset . That knot in his stomach tightened again . He tried to shake it off . He promised were flying back tomorrow , he reminded himself . Maybe nothing should happen .. 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