Chapter 427: The Cursed Parchment

**Thelma Zane’s POV** The world is vast, and with its immensity comes a myriad of strange occurrences. As Dorothy had predicted, the moment the vine key slid into the lock, the door to the bedroom transformed before our eyes. From the lock, vines erupted, spreading swiftly across the surface until the entire door was encased in a lattice of intertwining branches. Within seconds, it had morphed into something entirely different. "If I’m correct, this doorway now leads to some part of the palace," Dorothy explained, her voice steady with conviction. "This is an invitation from the Great Elder for a meeting." She turned to me, her gaze questioning. "Should I go through it?" I hesitated, uncertain. Dorothy believed only the Elf King and the Great Elder could wield the palace guardian’s power in this way. Still, that didn’t mean I trusted the Great Elder entirely. His motives were not always transparent. Despite my reservations, I decided to accept the invitation. Perhaps this meet