Chapter 15: The End of Training

**Thelma Zane’s POV** I gasped for air, my hands resting on my knees as I bent forward in sheer exhaustion. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered if I might actually collapse here. Despite my disdain for Sir Aldrich’s overconfident demeanor, I had to begrudgingly admit he was an effective trainer. He had an uncanny ability to push me right to the edge of my limits—and sometimes, it felt like beyond them. His relentless approach showed no concern for my protests or the apparent threat to my existence. Yet, every time I thought I couldn’t go on, my body somehow kept moving. “You’re too weak,” Aldrich remarked with his arms crossed, his tone devoid of sympathy. I couldn’t argue with his assessment. It was true. My stamina and strength were embarrassingly lacking. In the past, whenever I trained with others, they always reduced the difficulty for me, their concern wrapped in layers of overprotection. The moment I struggled, they woul