Chapter 69: Learning to Embrace the Truth
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
“Since you understand the root of the problem, why not fix it?” Maxine’s voice echoed in my mind, sharp and unyielding. “Everything began with your secrecy, but it can also end with it. Why don’t you just reveal the truth? Tell Aldrich who you are. Announce your relationship to the King and Queen. That way, all your problems will be solved.”
“No,” I said firmly, my voice laced with hesitation.
“Why not? You have to admit, it’s the simplest and most effective solution,” Maxine insisted.
She was right–revealing the truth would likely solve everything. But the thought of doing so made my chest tighten with fear.
Maxine scoffed. “Coward. You’re afraid, aren’t you?”
I stayed silent, unwilling to admit how accurate her words were. Deep down, I dreaded the ideal of seeing disappointment in the eyes of those I loved.
“Poor girl,” Maxine taunted, her tone laced with mockery. “But let me be clear: you don’t have another choice. Either you step up and handle this now, or I will. I’ll take control of your body, confess to Aldrich, kiss him, and–well, you know what comes next.”
“What?!” I shrieked, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
“Don’t believe me? Why don’t you wait and see?” Maxine said, her tone teasing yet deadly
serious.
“That’s not possible,” I countered, though my voice wavered with uncertainty. “We just awakened. There’s no way you can override my control.”
“Oh, really? Shall we test that theory? Hurry up and act like the Queen you’re supposed to be!”
“I’m far from being a Queen,” I muttered under my breath.
“Then at least act like someone with a backbone,” Maxine snapped.
I felt an odd sensation, like a tug deep within me, as though my control over my own body was slipping. Panic surged through me.
‘Alright!” I blurted out. “I’ll do it! I’ll handle it!”
The alternative was unthinkable. If Maxine truly managed to seize control and approach Aldrich on her own terms… no, I couldn’t let that happen.
“That’s more like it,” Maxine said, satisfaction dripping from her voice. She receded into the depths of my mind, though not without a final warning. “I’m watching, so don’t even think about backing out.”
Chapy: 60 Leaming to Cribrace the Truth
I sighed heavily. “As you command, Queen Maxine.”
Dragging my still–exhausted body, I opened the door. Outside, Kara and Tracy were seated in chairs near my room. My parents, seated on a nearby sofa, had their eyes closed, their faces etched with worry.
“You’re awake!” Kara exclaimed, her sharp eyes catching my movement immediately. She turned to Tracy, her voice filled with hope. “Does this mean she’s alright?”
Before Tracy could respond, my parents enveloped me in a tight embrace.
“Thank the Moon Goddess!” my mother whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. “It’s such a relief to see you up and moving.”
“Are you feeling alright, sweetheart?” my father asked, his voice trembling with concern.
Tracy stepped forward, her professional demeanor in place despite the visible relief on her face. She examined me thoroughly, using various instruments that looked foreign and complicated. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she smiled.
“I can confirm that Her Highness is safe and sound,” Tracy announced. “Your awakening has been successful. Have you met your wolf yet?”
I nodded. “Yes. Her name is Maxine, She’s… unique.”
My mother smiled warmly. “Maxine. What a beautiful name.”
“She’s certainly one of a kind,” my father added, his expression brightening. “Dot we’ll get to meet her soon?”
you think
Before I could respond, Maxine’s enthusiasm bubbled up inside me. “Of course,” I said, relaying her thoughts. “Once I learn to transform into my wolf form, I’ll introduce her to everyone.”
Satisfied with this promise, my parents and Tracy insisted I return to bed.
“You need more rest,” Tracy said firmly. “Recovering your energy will help you and Maxine bond more effectively.”
I couldn’t argue with medical advice, so I lay back down. Though part of me felt restless, I took comfort in the idea that I was following a logical path.
“See, Maxine?” I teased lightly. “I’m not running away. I’m just following orders.”
“Don’t think you’ve escaped,” Maxine snapped. I’m keeping an eye on you,
Thelma.”
Her fiery personality was exhausting, but before I could dwell on it further, sleep pulled me under.
When I woke again, the sun was high in the sky. The first thing I did was reach for my phone, hoping for some sign of Aldrich. But there was nothing–no calls, no messages.
Claptron Learning To mbrace the Truth
Frustration washed over me as I fell back onto the bed. What did his silence mean?
In the past, Aldrich always made the first move after an argument. This time, though, he hadn’t said a word. Was he genuinely angry? Had I pushed him too far?
I couldn’t stop the spiral of negative thoughts. What if I went to him now and he rejected me? What if he said coldly, “Haven’t we already broken up?”
Would I walk away in tears? Or would I beg him to stay?
Maxine groaned in exasperation. “Enough of this melodrama, Thelma. You’re not a child. Stop overthinking and do something about it. You’re wasting time.”
Her bluntness snapped me out of my reverie. As much as I hated to admit it, she was right- again.
Pushing aside my doubts, I got up and began to get ready. It was time to stop wallowing and face reality. My emotions wouldn’t solve anything, but action might.
With Maxine’s indomitable presence as my guide, I prepared myself to return to the military
Whatever awaited me there, I would face it head–on.
camp.
The Weight of the Secret
Chapter 70: The Weight of the Secret
