Chapter 134: The Burden of Mutation
Thelma Zane’s POV
The golden runes on my skin shimmered faintly, their energy coursing through me in steady waves. This wasn’t ordinary sorcery–this was a purification spell, a divine gift from the Moon Goddess herself. Yet, it wasn’t a sign of hope. No, these glowing runes were a reminder that my condition was dire, perhaps beyond saving.
“It’s been a week,” my father said in a voice laden with exhaustion. “During this time, the doctors have issued multiple critical notices. The werewolf grandmasters have maintained a constant vigil outside your ward.”
I knew why they lingered. Their presence wasn’t out of mere concern–it was a precaution. The moment I succumbed to the mutation completely, transforming into a mindless monster, they would act. The so–called “purification” was nothing more than a euphemism for my
death.
“But I’m still here,” I said softly, forcing a weak smile. “I’m awake, aren’t I? That must mean I’m getting better.”
My father didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he regarded me with a sorrowful expression that spoke volumes. His silence cut deeper than words ever could, and I knew better than to believe my own optimistic lie. This clarity I felt, this fleeting reprieve–it wasn’t a sign of recovery. It was the final calm before the storm.
And Dorothy?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
My father’s gaze shifted to the other bed in the room, where Dorothy lay motionless. Her eyes were covered with thick gauze, golden runes etched into the fabric and her pale skin beneath.
“She’s stable, for now,” he said, though his tone betrayed little comfort. “The demon’s corruption affected her differently. Her mutation resides in her soul, not her body. The werewolf grandmasters had no choice but to seal her magic entirely. Without it, the mutation might spiral out of control and lead to disaster.”
Seal her magic? The weight of his words struck me like a blow. Dorothy, who had once been so proud of her abilities, was now rendered powerless. To lose her magic was to lose a core part. of herself. Combined with the blindness she now faced, how could she possibly endure such a cruel fate?
“She’s lost her sight entirely,” my father added, his voice heavy with regret.
I stared at Dorothy’s still form, my chest tightening with anguish. The vibrant, determined girl I knew had been reduced to this–to a shadow of her former self, her future now uncertain and bleak.
“Ryan Mafra,” my father continued abruptly, “was the one responsible for summoning
Changé 134 The Burden of Mutation
Leviathan. The investigation confirmed that the demon he brought forth is the deep–sea Leviathan. We managed to interrupt the ritual, preventing further casualties. But…”
“But Dorothy and I weren’t spared,” I finished for him, my voice hollow.
My father nodded grimly.
I exhaled slowly, my mind drifting back to Leviathan’s parting words. *“Go to the Rocky Mountains and find the answer.“* Those cryptic words echoed in my mind, teasing me with their ambiguity. Were they a clue to salvation, or a cruel ruse designed to lead me further into despair?
“Do W
you think she was lying?” I asked tentatively. “About the Rocky Mountains? Could there truly be an answer there?”
“No one can claim to know a demon’s true intentions,” my father said after a long pause. Their words are as dangerous as their power. Still, if there is a chance, it must be approached with extreme caution.”
The weariness etched into his face was impossible to ignore. In this moment, he didn’t look like the regal king who commanded respect and authority. He was simply a father–a father tormented by helplessness as he watched his child suffer.
“I’m sorry, Father,” I whispered. “I should never have faced Leviathan alone. My arrogance led us here.”
My father’s eyes widened briefly in surprise before softening. “This is not your fault, child,‘ he said firmly. “You acted bravely and protected others from the demon’s wrath. For that, I’m. immensely proud of you.”
His hand twitched as though he wanted to reach out and comfort me, but the myriad of tubes and wires connecting me to the machines made such a gesture impossible.
“I’m proud of you,” he repeated, his voice cracking slightly.
The room fell silent, save for the rhythmic beeping of the medical equipment. My father’s words lingered in the air, filling the void with a bittersweet sense of love and despair.
Eventually, my mother entered the room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Despite her efforts to put on a brave face, the cracks in her composure were painfully evident.
“Did you sleep well?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
I smiled faintly, trying to ease her worry. “I suppose so. Though I think I’ve rested enough to
last a lifetime.”
My attempt at humor faltered when my mother’s tears began anew. She turned away quickly, seeking solace in my father’s arms.
Guilt clawed at my chest as I watched them. Once again, my actions had brought pain to the people I loved most. My parents had already endured so much–losing me as a baby, only to
Chuppu The Burden of Mutation. Chapter 4
have me returned by the Moon Goddess herself. Now, it seemed as though fate was preparing to rip me away from them once more.
I closed my eyes briefly, steeling myself. This wasn’t how my story would end.
“I need to go to the Rocky Mountains,” I said suddenly, breaking the silence.
My father’s reaction was immediate. “Absolutely not,” he said firmly.
I met his gaze, my resolve unwavering. “I’m not giving up, Father. This isn’t about surrendering to despair–it’s about fighting for a chance. Leviathan’s words weren’t random. There’s something in the Rocky Mountains, something that might hold the key to all of this. We can’t afford
to ignore it.”
“And what if it’s a trap?” he countered. “What if she’s leading you straight to your doom?”
“Then I’ll face it,” I replied without hesitation. “But doing nothing isn’t an option. You know me, Father. I’ve never been one to sit back and accept defeat.”
My father fell silent, his expression a storm of emotions. He wanted to protect me, knew that. But deep down, he also understood that this was a battle I had to fight.
“I’ll speak to the werewolf grandmasters,” he said finally, his voice heavy with resignation. ” If they agree, we’ll prepare for the journey.”
A flicker of hope ignited within me. The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with danger but for the first time in days, I felt a glimmer of purpose.
Waiting for death had never been my style. It was time to take control of my fate, whatever the
cost.
