Chapter 88: A Path Chosen
**Dorothy’s Perspective**
Despite training for months, a wave of nervousness washed over me as I stepped into the king’s reception room disguised as a servant. Every movement felt scrutinized, every step a challenge. My heart raced as I executed the complex tasks–winking at the right moments, speaking in veiled riddles, entering and exiting the room with subtle purpose, all while skillfully setting up an intricate magical circle.
The pressure to perform flawlessly was immense. I had memorized these rigid, obscure incantations with painstaking effort. My only hope was to complete the process before my nerves betrayed me or my memory failed.
Just as I was nearing the final stages, an interruption shattered my focus. The head servant approached with unwelcome news: Carolyn was becoming suspicious. My stomach tightened. I had no choice but to expedite the curse–breaking ritual, even if it meant cutting corners. The risk of her discovering our plan was too great.
Fortunately, the elders‘ cooperation bought me precious time. Against all odds, I succeeded in dismantling the southern Duke’s surveillance spell and replacing it with a sophisticated reverse interference enchantment. The mission was complete.
The King, ever gracious, expressed his approval with kind words. “Your talent is exceptional, Dorothy,” he said warmly. “Even among orthodox witches, such skill is rare. You should consider attending a sorcery academy to nurture your abilities further.”
One of the elders, equally impressed, added, “Your potential is boundless. Embrace it, Dorothy. Let it become the wings that carry you to greater heights.”
Wings to soar high?
I lowered my gaze, contemplating the elder’s words: To others, such a gift might symbolize freedom. To me, it felt more like a weight–an inherited shackle bound tightly to my soul.
“Thank you for your kindness,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “But I have a different passion. History has always fascinated me, and believe it suits me better. I would prefer to pursue that path.”
The Lycan King did not press further. Instead, He smiled gently and entrusted Thelma Zane with the task of escorting me home.
We walked along a quiet road on the outskirts of the palace grounds. Thelma seemed to be wrestling with her thoughts, her lips parting as if to speak, only to fall silent again. Her hesitation was palpable.
Finally, I broke the silence. “You look like you have something on your mind, Thelma. What is it?”
Chapter 4 Path Chosen
Startled, she nodded hesitantly. “Yes, Dorothy. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.”
“Then speak freely. There’s no need to hold back
“Well…” she began, her voice faltering. “I don’t mean to pry, but why did you turn down the Lycan King’s suggestion? You’re incredibly talented, Dorothy. Even I can see that, and I’m not expert. The werewolf grandmasters are full of praise for you. Why not embrace your gift? You could achieve so much in the field of sorcery.”
I smiled, shaking my head. “This isn’t prying, Thelma. It’s a valid question. But the answer is simple: I don’t want to. Talent doesn’t dictate one’s destiny. I believe history is where I truly belong, and my family agrees.
“But you love studying sorcery,” she countered earnestly. “I can see it in your eyes. Do you know when you seem happiest? It’s during sorcery lessons. Whether you’re listening, practicing, or researching, there’s a light in your expression that’s absent elsewhere. It’s completely different from the way you were at Sivir Academy. Magic brings you joy, Dorothy. Can’t you see that?”
Her words hit me like a thunderbolt. Did magic bring me joy?
I had never considered the possibility. To me, my witch’s bloodline had always been a source of pain. It was the reason for the scornful looks from my family, the cold shoulders of my peers, arid the self–loathing that haunted me. It had brought nothing but sorrow and struggle. How could I possibly derive happiness from it?
I should despise magic. I should hate everything it represented.
“Did you notice something?” Thelma pressed gently. “Before your bloodline awakened, you devoured books on philosophy and history. But after it awakened, your focus shifted. Now, you’re always reading research notes and tomes on witchcraft. Even Mara and Avril assumed you’d switched to magical studies because of how deeply engrossed you are.”
“That’s just… coincidence,” I mumbled, unsure of my own words.
But deep down, something stirred. This wasn’t right.
I felt a wave of frustration bubbling inside me. The years of pain, rejection, and bitterness. associated with my witch’s bloodline were undeniable. How could I possibly feel an affinity for something that had caused so much suffering?
My breathing grew ragged, my chest tightening as the realization threatened to overwhelm me. Thelma noticed immediately and guided me to sit on a patch of soft grass by the roadside. She rubbed my back soothingly, her voice filled with panic.
“I’m so sorry, Dorothy! I didn’t mean to upset you. Please, just forget what I said. It’s my fault for bringing it up.”
Her words barely registered as I struggled to calm myself. Then, suddenly, a laugh escaped my
lips.
“You’re not wrong, Thelma,” I said, my voice steadier now. “I’ve just been avoiding the
truth.‘
It dawned on me that I had spent years running away–from my heritage, my abilities, and, most of all, myself. I had clung to excuses: a father I never knew, a cruel grandmother, and the harrowing memory of being burned with hot silver as a child. But none of those excuses had. ever brought me peace.
They were fleeting comforts, like a single match struck on a cold winter night. The warmth they provided was brief, and I was still left to face the biting frost.
Why had I been so afraid to fight back against the storm? Why hadn’t I stood tall and defied the winds that sought to break me
It was time to stop running
“I need to reconcile with myself,” I murmured, more to myself than to Thelma
I had spent too long listening to others, allowing them to shape my decisions and define my worth. It was time to listen to the voice within me, the one I had silenced for so long
For the first time in years, I felt a sense of clarity The path ahead was uncertain, but it was mine to choose.
