Chapter 84: Embracing the Heat of Summer

**Thelma Zane’s Perspective** The moment my father gave his approval, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I let out an elated cheer, and even Dorothy, typically composed and measured, squeezed my hand in shared enthusiasm. This mission was undoubtedly perilous, but I saw it as a rare opportunity for Dorothy. It was a chance for her to confront her witch heritage, to reconcile with that part of herself she often viewed with disdain. Dorothy had always struggled with self-acceptance, her kind and intelligent nature overshadowed by an internalized fear that her powers were inherently dark. I hoped this journey would help her understand that her abilities were a gift, not a curse—a legacy, not a stain. And so, our rigorous days of preparation began. It wasn’t a surprise to anyone that Dorothy couldn’t immediately undo the curse afflicting the southern Duke. She had immense talent, but she was still inexperienced, a novice stepping into a complex and ancient art. My father, ever t