Chapter 97: Mastering the Rules
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
Slamming the door and storming off would have made for an impressive exit, wouldn’t it? A grand gesture of defiance, leaving the principal to stew in his own arrogance.
But not everyone would see it that way, least of all my parents.
“That’s a bit much,” my father said sternly, frowning deeply as he set aside the report in his hand. “Going toe–to–toe with the principal? Threatening him outright? That’s hardly the behavior of a good student, Thelma.”
Beside him, my mother’s expression was no less disapproving, though her silence carried a weight that spoke louder than words.
I clasped my hands tightly, a pang of guilt surfacing under their scrutiny. “I understand I shouldn’t have contradicted a teacher,” I began cautiously, “but does he even act like a principal? He’s nothing more than a shield for bullies, enabling their behavior just because they bring prestige to the school. A person like that doesn’t deserve to sit in the principal’s chair. He belongs in a prison cell!”
“That may be true,” my father said, rubbing his temples in exasperation. “But that’s still no excuse for your actions. Even if you despise him, there are subtler, more effective ways to handle such matters. You shouldn’t leave behind evidence of confrontation. Now the principal
Thelma? has submitted a formal protest letter to the palace. What do you expect me to do, Shield you from the consequences?”
The mention of a protest letter shocked me to my core. “Evidence?” I repeated, my voice faltering. “Subtler ways? Isn’t that… dishonest?”
“No
“Don’t look at me like that, child,” my father replied, a faint smirk playing on his lips. one rules a kingdom by being a saint. Absolute morality has no place in the governance of a vast and complex realm. Rules are for those who follow them. For those who don’t, we must find ways to deal with them outside the confines of the rules.”
It was as though I was seeing my father in a new light, his once–invincible image as the noble and virtuous Lycan King now tempered by a shadowy pragmatism. This unexpected side of him, while jarring, seemed to make sense in the intricate world of politics and power.
“I didn’t expect this,” I mumbled, still grappling with his words, “I thought I’d get a lecture for my
behavior.”
My mother, her expression softening slightly, pulled me into a gentle embrace. She brushed a strand of hair from my face and smiled. “Oh, you’re certainly not getting off scot–free, my dear. There will be consequences for your actions”
“But Father,” I interjected, looking at him with pleading eyes, “you’ll teach me the right way
to handle situations like this, won’t you? Forget about punishment for now–I want to learn how to deal with those who think they’re above the rules.”
My mother chuckled as I leaned into her arms, gazing expectantly at my father.
He sighed, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. “What a strange girl you are, Thelma. Very well, listen closely. The best way to deal with rule–breakers is to show them that you can outmaneuver them. When someone thinks they are above the rules, you need to remind them who truly holds the power.
I perked up, eager to absorb his wisdom. “So, you’re saying people like the principal act this
because they believe they control the rules?”
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“Precisely,” he replied. “In his role, the principal oversees countless teachers and students, which gives him a sense of authority over the rules. But that arrogance is his greatest weakness. All it takes is a demonstration of power from someone higher up to remind him where he truly stands.”
“Of course!” I exclaimed, grinning. “And who better to remind him than you, the great Lycan King? The ultimate authority of the werewolves, the embodiment of the Moon Goddess’s will on Earth!”
My father laughed, ruffling my hair affectionately. “You cheeky little brat! I should start monitoring your social circle to see who’s been teaching you this flattery.”
I dragged him to the sofa, nestling between my parents with a mischievous grin. “It’s not flattery, Father. It’s genuine respect from the bottom of my heart!”
My mother pinched my nose gently, her eyes twinkling. “Such a clever little tongue! Look at your father–he’s so puffed up with pride he doesn’t know which way is north anymore!”
Despite his attempt to look stern, my father’s amused smile betrayed him.
“Flattery aside,” he said, his tone growing serious, “there’s a fundamental truth you need to understand. No single person owns the rules. Rules exist to guide and protect everyone. They’re meant to restrain individuals for the greater good.
“However, some people exploit their positions to twist the rules for personal gain, using them as weapons against others. It’s arrogant and selfish, but it’s also inevitable in any hierarchy. The key is recognizing that no one’s position is unassailable. Power shifts–economically, politically, and socially. No one is invincible.”
I listened intently, my gaze fixed on him.
“Take your principal, for example,” he continued. “He uses the authority granted to him by the rules to shield bullies and enhance his own reputation. But you, Thelma, have access to a higher power–one that allows you to challenge and correct his misuse of authority. That’s how you restore balance.”
“So, it’s not the rules themselves that are flawed. I mused, “but the way people choose to
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wield them.”
“Exactly,” my father said, nodding. “Rules are neither inherently good nor bad. They’re tools, and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on the hands that wield them. The real danger lies in the hearts of those who seek to manipulate them for selfish ends.”
My mother placed a gentle hand on my cheek, her voice soft but firm. “That’s why it’s important to approach every challenge with both wisdom and integrity. The rules aren’t your enemy, Thelma. They’re your ally if you know how to use them wisely.”
As I sat between iny parents, enveloped by their warmth and wisdom, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead might be fraught with challenges, but I was determined to face them with the lessons I’d learned today. After all, mastering the rules wasn’t just about understanding their limits–it was about knowing when and how to rise above them.
Chapter | The Cost of Diehance
