Chapter 83: A Spark of Courage
**Dorothy’s Perspective**
I didn’t hesitate for even a moment before speaking. My decision came with the clarity of conviction. “I will do it. When are we going?”
Thelma blinked at me in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. Her expression betrayed both admiration and concern as she asked softly, “Are you sure, Dorothy? This isn’t an elective course exercise. We’re up against an unknown and incredibly powerful witch. You must think this through carefully.”
“I understand, Thelma,” I replied, my tone resolute but calm. “But my choice wasn’t made in a burst of impulsiveness. I’ve thought about it enough, and I’m grateful that you thought of me first. You don’t know what that means to me. Nobody has ever trusted me this much–not as a witch and certainly not as a werewolf.”
I paused, reflecting on the painful truth of my words. My grandmother had spent years trying to mold me into something I could never become: a pureblood werewolf. It was a futile effort we both knew would never succeed. Her attempts at communication were nothing but a barrage of reprimands and punishments, a relentless cycle of disapproval.
My interactions outside her home were no better. Teachers, classmates, and the world at large, had dismissed me as the quiet, strange girl who never spoke unless absolutely necessary. I was a shadow in their lives, a “mute freak,” as some unkind whispers had labeled me.
This opportunity wasn’t just a task or a challenge–it was a chance to be seen.
“I won’t let you down,” I promised, my voice steady. “I want to do something meaningful for the pack, and I’m willing to take this risk. I can’t pretend I’m not afraid, but I trust you, Thelma. I trust the King. You wouldn’t lead me into danger without a way to protect me. You care about your friends, and the King cares about his people. This is mutual trust, isn’t it?”
Thelma’s eyes softened as she looked at me, the intensity of her gaze revealing the storm of emotions swirling within her. After a long moment, a warm smile spread across her–face.
“Yes,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. This is mutual trust. And I promise, Dorothy, you will be safe. You will be the hero who helps save the pack!”
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “Forget about being a hero. I doubt the southern Duke is eager to give up that illustrious title.”
With our conversation concluded, we quickly finished our breakfast -a simple yet satisfying pancake and set off for the palace.
The King greeted us in the informal comfort of his living room, a surprising contrast to the grandeur of the palace surrounding him. Dressed in casual attire that gave him an air of relaxed authority, he looked more like a man preparing for a leisurely game of golf than the
ruler of the Lycan Pack.
“Welcome, child,” he said warmly, his kind smile reaching his eyes. “It’s been a long time.
ow have you been?”
The kindness in his tone momentarily disarmed me, but memories of my grandmother’s scolding lingered, a shadow that refused to dissipate. I forced a polite smile and replied, “I’m doing well, thank you for asking.”
But his penetrating gaze seemed to see through my practiced facade, unraveling the lies I wore. like armor. In his eyes, I felt my life play out like a silent film–a story of pain, isolation, and resilience that I had no desire to share.
The weight of his understanding pressed down on me, and for a fleeting moment, I wanted to escape. But the King said nothing, allowing the tension to ease as quickly as it had formed. I exhaled quietly, grateful for his restraint.
“I believe Thelma has already briefed you about the situation with the southern Duke,” the King said, shifting the conversation. “We’re searching for a suitable candidate for a crucial mission, and Thelma suggested you.”
There was a hesitation in his voice, a note of doubt that made me sit up straighter.
“To be completely honest,” he continued, “I’m not fully convinced this is the right path for you. It’s not a matter of trust–I know you to be a brave and kind young lady. But you’re still so young, Dorothy, with your whole future ahead of you. I cannot in good conscience place you in harm’s way, knowing the potential consequences. The risks here are not trivial; they could leave lasting scars, visible or otherwise.”
Thelma frowned, her voice laced with frustration. “But you promised, Your Majesty. You gave Dorothy your word, and a King’s word cannot be taken back.”
The King gave her a look of gentle reproach, though it was clear he held no anger toward her. Turning back to me, he said, “She’s right. I did make that promise, and I intend to honor it. But I must ask you, Dorothy: Are you absolutely certain about this? You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. If your heart is not fully in it, there is no shame in stepping back. We all understand the gravity of what’s at stake.”
Thelma muttered under her breath, “He’s trying to talk her out of it.”
The King pretended not to hear, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts. His words weren’t entirely without merit. The mission wasn’t a simple errand; it was a step into a world of danger and uncertainty. The villain we faced was no caricature from a children’s tale but a real and ruthless witch, the kind I had read about in my mother’s old books. These were individuals who lived on the edge of madness, wielding power with the precision of executioners and the cruelty of serial killers.
But I also knew that fear alone couldn’t dictate my choices. If Thelma believed in me, if the
King believed in me, then I had to believe in myself.
“Let me take this chance,” I said finally, my voice firm. “I won’t deny the risks, but I trust you, Your Majesty, and I trust Thelma. If I have to be impulsive, let it be for something worthwhile. I want to help. I want to make a difference, even if it’s just this once.”
The room fell silent, the weight of my words settling
over us like a blanket.
After what felt like an eternity, the King smiled. It was a smile of pride, tinged with sadness and understanding
“Very well,” he said. “A brave young lady you are, Dorothy. Impulsive, yes, but brave nonetheless. Let us prepare you for what lies ahead.”
And with that, my journey began.
of Saumuner
