Chapter 171: What Right Do You Have to Control Me?

Thelma Zane’s Perspective The unresolved issues weighed heavily on me: Dorothy’s Eye of Insight remained a dangerous unknown, and the demonic seal was still a looming threat. The thought of leaving everything unfinished filled me with frustration. I couldn’t bear to return empty-handed, knowing there was still so much at stake. A flame of defiance ignited within me. Aldrich’s insistence that I leave felt suffocating. Who was he to decide my path? He wasn’t my parent, nor my master. The thought rankled me, sparking a sudden wave of irritation. “Yes, he cares about me,” I acknowledged inwardly. “And I care about him too. But I also care about Dorothy, who has been thrust into this perilous situation partly because of me. I owe it to her to see this through.” The words left my lips before I could stop them. “Stop talking to me like that!” I snapped, pushing Aldrich away. “Recognize your place, Aldrich! You are my subject, not my father! You don’t get to make decisions for me.