Chapter 179: Shadows in the Mind

Thelma Zane’s POV Ten days after my return to the palace, Dorothy’s voice on the other end of the mind link carried a mixture of anticipation and exhaustion. “We’re heading to the ruins of the witch clan today. Master Hayley has agreed to meet us there.” I sat upright, immediately alert. “That’s wonderful news! Did Master Hayley discover anything significant?” Dorothy sighed, her disappointment palpable. “Not yet. She’s been meticulously searching, but Mullwica’s residence remains elusive. Every structure in the ruins can be tied to a name or family, but there’s no trace of Mullwica.” I frowned, trying to process the information. “You’ve examined every house? What if her home was hidden or disguised? Could there be an open space or concealed area that you missed?” Dorothy’s reply was thoughtful but firm. “The houses in the ruins are built tightly together, typical of their era. They resemble rows of jagged teeth rising from the valley floor, leaving no gaps or open spac