Chapter 50: The Moonlight Is So Beautiful
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
Aldrich stood before me, his usual calm demeanor replaced with palpable nervousness. His breathing was uneven, his lips parting as if to speak, but I stopped him.
“The doctor said my fluctuating emotions are a result of the transition I’m about to undergo, I began, trying to steady my voice. “The changes in my body are stirring this storm inside me. But I know it’s not just biology. That’s not the full truth.”
I paused, my gaze lingering on his face. It was almost unbearable to look at him, knowing the secret I was hiding. His strong jaw, those piercing eyes–he deserved to know, but the weight of my responsibility held me back.
*What would he do if he knew the truth?*
Would his love survive the revelation? Could any love endure when it was founded on deceit?
The thought haunted me, and for a fleeting moment, I considered confessing everything. The words teetered on the tip of my tongue, but reason held me back.
As a princess, my duty extended beyond my desires. My choices had consequences that rippled far beyond Aldrich and me. For the sake of my pack, I couldn’t afford to be selfish.
So instead, I said, “A friend shared a prophecy with me. It’s about us–our relationship–and the darkness it might bring.”
Aldrich’s brows knitted together, confusion shadowing his features. “A prophecy?” he repeated. “No werewolf can see the future. How does your friend know this? Could there be witches in the pack?” His tone shifted, becoming sharp and investigative. “What if the riot at Sivir Academy was just a distraction? A real witch might have infiltrated us, replacing your friend. This could put you in danger, Thelma.”
I quickly placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “I promise you, Aldrich, she is trustworthy. She made me swear to secrecy, and there’s a confidentiality agreement protecting her identity. You know we can’t break that, no matter how much we want answers.”
He sighed, frustration evident. “That agreement,” he muttered, his tone lightening into something almost teasing, “it’s like a wall between us, always forcing us into half–truths.”
His words struck me like a blade, though I knew he meant them in jest. The truth behind them
stung.
I forced a small smile, determined to keep my composure. “The prophecy says our love will face many trials, Aldrich. It even hints at death.”
His expression darkened, but I pressed on. “I’m not afraid of dying. No werewolf warrior is. But I am terrified of you getting hurt because of me. You’re strong, Aldrich, but even you are
Chapter 5 The Mouright is So Beautif
not invincible. The thought that our love could bng harm to you… it’s unbearable.
“I’ve let my fears consume me I’ve thought of ending this–to protect you, to stop the prophecy from coming true. That’s why I’ve been distant, why I’ve avoided you. I thought that if I stayed away, I could save you from whatever fate awaits us.”
Tears welled in my eyes, spilling over before I could stop them. Through my blurred vision, I saw Aldrich’s face tighten with emotion.
*Is he angry?*
The question echoed in my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to look away. Perhaps he was furious at my weakness, my cowardice, my refusal to confront the truth head–on.
In that moment, I realized I hadn’t truly grown. Despite all my efforts, I was still the same scared girl who used to run from her problems. The weight of my past fallures and present fears threatened to crush me.
My legs buckled, and I felt myself falling. But before I could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around me, holding me close.
Aldrich’s embrace was firm yet tender. As I tilted my head upward, I saw something that stunned me–tears streaming down his face.
“Don’t,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Don’t think of yourself like this, Thelma. Please.”
His arms tightened around me, as if he could shield me from my own doubts. “You don’t see what I see,” he continued, his voice filled with emotion. “You’re kind and brave, more than anyone I’ve ever known. You always carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and you’re so quick to blame yourself for everything. But you’re wrong, Thelma. You’re not weak, You’re extraordinary.”
He gently cupped my face, his thumb brushing away the tears on my cheeks. “You changed me, Thelma. You taught me what it means to love and to take responsibility. I used to hide from my past, from the shadows of my father’s expectations, but you pulled me out of that darkness.
“I’m the one who’s been a coward. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve failed to give you the security you deserve. But no matter what happens, I’ll never give up on you. I’ll face any challenge, any danger, as long as I can be by your side. Even if it means death, Thelma, I’ll never stop fighting for us.”
His words broke something inside me, but in their place, they built something stronger.
We held each other under the moonlight, our tears mingling as they fell. If anyone had seen us, they might have thought it a haunting sight a couple crying in the dark. But for us,
it was
a moment of raw, unfiltered love.
The moonlight seemed to bless us, casting its gentle glow as if acknowledging the bond we shared.
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The Malign
Betore I realized what was happening, Aldrich leaned down, and our lips met.
The kiss was bittersweet, the salt of our tears mixing with the passion we shared. It was a kiss that transcended words, a promise that no matter what the prophecy foretold, we would face it together.
In that moment, all my fears, my lies, and my doubts faded into the background. I wasn’t just a princess or a lover weighed down by secrets. I was Thelma Zane, and I had found my strength in Aldrich’s unwavering love.
The night held us in its quiet embrace, and for the first time in days, I felt whole.
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