Chapter 170: A Dangerous Debate

Thelma Zane’s Perspective The events unfolded much as I remembered them, but hearing the retelling left me unsettled. Though I felt grateful that my mind had stayed clear through the storm of greed and hunger, a shudder passed through me at the thought of what could have happened. The horror of unintentionally harming—or even consuming—a friend was unbearable to imagine. As I grappled with this, Aldrich’s voice cut through my thoughts. “The moment the mark on my hand flashed, I knew something had happened to you,” he said in a low, controlled tone. His words carried the weight of restrained anger and relief. “I immediately assembled a team and headed to provide reinforcements. On the way, we encountered a group carrying an unconscious Linda back. I must say, Thelma, I was furious when I learned what you had done. You knew the risks ahead, yet you ventured in with only a handful of people. What were you thinking?” “I feel guilty,” I admitted, my voice soft as my guilt surfaced