Chapter 31: The Flame of Frustration

**Thelma Zane's POV** I couldn’t believe it. Aldrich had agreed so quickly and with such certainty, almost as if it were the easiest decision in the world. But before I could revel in the moment, he abruptly changed the topic. “Unfortunately, it’s time to rest now,” he said casually. “I don’t want to delay everyone’s rest because of one person. That’s it.” His words hit me like a bucket of cold water. What did he mean by that? Feeling the weight of everyone’s envious stares, I helped the exhausted Mara back to the bathroom. The rest of the group was equally drained, their bodies caked in dirt, sweat, and mud. Compared to them, I was the cleanest, barely touched by the grime of the day. It struck me again how there were no glamorous battles in our world—only dust, grit, and exhaustion. Today, however, I had been spared the grime, but not by choice. Leaning against the cool metal of the railing, I replayed the day’s events in my head. Aldrich had blindsided me, showing up at