Chapter 31: The Flame of Frustration
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
I couldn’t believe it. Aldrich had agreed so quickly and with such certainty, almost as if it were the easiest decision in the world.
But before I could revel in the moment, he abruptly changed the topic. “Unfortunately, it’s time to rest now,” he said casually. “I don’t want to delay everyone’s rest because of one person. That’s it.”
His words hit me like a bucket of cold water. What did he mean by that?
Feeling the weight of everyone’s envious stares, I helped the exhausted Mara back to the bathroom. The rest of the group was equally drained, their bodies caked in dirt, sweat, and mud. Compared to them, I was the cleanest, barely touched by the grime of the day. It struck. me again how there were no glamorous battles in our world–only dust, grit, and exhaustion. Today, however, I had been spared the grime, but not by choice.
eaning against the cool metal of the railing, I replayed the day’s events in my head. Aldrich had blindsided me, showing up at our school unannounced. Worse, he hadn’t even let me participate in the sparring matches. The irritation bubbling within me turned into a vow: This weekend, he’ll get a taste of his own medicine. Let’s see how he likes being ignored.*
As I mulled over my thoughts, Dorothy passed me, her hair still damp from her shower. She stopped abruptly, her sharp gaze locking onto mine. Her silence was unnerving.
“Yes, Dorothy?” I asked, breaking the tension.
She didn’t respond. Instead, she turned away and walked off without a word, leaving me to wonder if our brief interaction had been real or imagined. Dorothy was always mysterious, her actions veiled in secrecy. I dismissed her odd behavior, focusing instead on my growing frustration with Aldrich.
When I got home, I discovered a folded note tucked into my bag. The elegant, flowing script was written in dark green ink, unmistakably Dorothy’s handiwork. Her cryptic message read: * “The important things are not necessarily obvious.“*
On any other day, I might have pored over its meaning, dissecting every nuance. But today, my patience was worn thin. The only thing I wanted to do was collapse onto my bed and let sleep
take me.
Saturday arrived with an unsettling swiftness. It used to be my favorite day of the week, a time when Aldrich and I would plan outings and spend blissful weekends together. Today, however, was different. I had no desire to see him, much less go out. The sting of his actions still lingered, and my anger refused to dissipate.
Chapade 31. The Flame of Frustration
Seeking solace, I retreated to the garden. It was a hidden gem I’d stumbled upon recently, not far from the training grounds. Vibrant flowers in every hue filled the space, their delicate petals swaying in the gentle breeze. Few people ventured here, making it the perfect refuge.
Surrounded by nature’s beauty, I felt my frayed nerves begin to settle. The rhythmic hum of bees and the soft rustle of leaves seemed to whisper promises of peace. For a moment, I let myself believe the garden could wash away my irritation.
But then, the unmistakable scent of lemons broke through my reverie. My senses sharpened instantly recent training had made me keenly aware of such things. Though I hadn’t yet seen him, I knew who it was.
“Hey, Thelma,” Aldrich called out, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Is this your secret base? I’ve been looking for you all morning.”
I lay back on the grass, refusing to acknowledge him. Rolling my eyes, I turned away.
His footsteps drew closer. “Why are you ignoring me?” he pressed. “You’ve been hiding here while I’ve been running around like an idiot. Thanks to you, though, I found this amazing place.”
I remained silent, my gaze fixed on the swaying flowers. His cluelessness only fueled my annoyance. How could someone so perceptive at times be so oblivious now?
“Come on, Thelma,” he coaxed, crouching beside me. “Talk to me. I’ve already made a reservation at your favorite restaurant.”
Finally, I turned to face him, arms crossed and lips set in a pout. “Do you even know why I’m upset?”
His brow furrowed in genuine confusion. After a moment’s hesitation, he ventured, “Was I too late today?”
“No!” I snapped, my frustration boiling over. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to our school yesterday? And why didn’t you let me join the sparring matches? You completely ignored me!”
A flicker of understanding crossed his face, but instead of apologizing, he chuckled.
“Just because of that?” he asked, incredulous.
I shot him a glare sharp enough to pierce steel. “What do you mean by *just because of that
His laughter deepened, and I clenched my fists, seething.
“I’m sorry,” he said at last, though his tone was far from remorseful. “I didn’t let your participate because you’re not ready yet.”
My jaw dropped. “Not ready? Are you serious?”
Chapter 31: The Flame of Frustration
His expression shifted, the mirth vanishing in an instant. He fixed me with a steady, piercing gaze. The playful Aldrich I knew was gone, replaced by someone much more intense.
“You’re not ready to face a real fight,” he said firmly.
“I am ready!” I shot back, unwilling to back down.
“Then prove it,” he challenged. “If you’re so confident, let’s spar. Right here, right now.”
His words stung. Was he mocking me? Dismissing my abilities? The indignation flared hotter
than ever.
“Fine!” I declared, rising to my feet. “I’ll show you!”
We squared off, and the air between us crackled with tension. I was determined to prove him wrong, to show him I could hold my own.
But before I could even register what was happening, it was over. With a single move, me pinned to the ground, his weight immobilizing me.
“How?” I gasped, staring up at him in disbelief.
Aldrich’s eyes bore into mine, their usual warmth replaced by a hunter’s cold wasn’t even trying,” he said quietly.
he had.
“I
The harsh reality of his words stung worse than any physical blow. I had underestimated him -or rather, overestimated myself.
Still, the fire of defiance burned within me. “Go easy on me next time,” I muttered, refusing to admit defeat outright.
But Aldrich only smiled, his serious demeanor softening. “Thelma, I want you to succeed, but you need to understand where you stand first. Strength isn’t just about confidence. It’s about readiness, skill, and awareness.”
As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. For now, my anger gave way to a grudging respect.
