hapter 76: Shadows of Deception
**Thelma Zane’s Point of View**
The story of the pure white witch and the southern Duke was a hauntingly beautiful tale, filled with both sorrow and love. Yet, as I sat beside Benard in the field of daisies, I couldn’t help but see it through the lens of a princess and a general. Beneath the romantic tragedy lay layers of political intrigue, personal grudges, and a bitter history that still cast long shadows over our
present.
“So,” I mused aloud, “does this mean that the southern Duke and the witches have a personal vendetta beyond the national conflict between werewolves and sorcerers?”
Benard nodded thoughtfully. “It seems that way. The southern Duke’s survival is inextricably tied to the pure white witch. Her death may have saved him, but it also painted a target on his back. The sorcerers, blinded by their grief and rage, would have seen him as a symbol of their loss a perfect object for their revenge.”
I considered this. Pure white witches were incredibly rare, their existence defying the very nature of dark magic. To transform such malevolent power into something purely healing required a combination of talent, timing, and circumstances beyond mere human comprehension.
“She gave her life for him,” I whispered, tracing a petal between my fingers. “And the
sorcerers didn’t care. They only saw her death as a reason to hate him more.”
Benard’s expression darkened. “Exactly. My father and I believe that the southern Duke may still carry traces of the witch’s magic within him–a residual connection, like a witchcraft primer. If that’s true, it would make him vulnerable to any sorcerer who knows how to exploit it, and they could do so without anyone noticing.
A sense of urgency gripped me. “We need to tell my parents immediately! They need to know about this.” I stood up, and the daisies that had surrounded us fell to the ground, their vibrant colors fading as reality reclaimed its hold on us.
Benard rose beside me. “My father plans to report this to the Lycan Pack today. It’s too important to delay.”
I hesitated, a troubling thought crossing my mind. “Do you think my father is already aware of the Duke’s connection to the pure white witch? He’s always been perceptive, and it’s hard to imagine him overlooking something this significant.”
Benard shook his head. “It’s unlikely. Only a handful of people know the truth–my father, the southern Duke, you, and now me. During the war such a relationship would have been considered treasonous. Love, no matter how genuine, couldn’t stand against the hatred born of bloodshed and loss. If anyone had found out, the Duke would have been branded a traitor,
not a hero.”
He was right. The war had left little room for compassion or understanding. If the Duke’s secret had been exposed, he would have been remembered not as a noble hero but as a traitor condemned by history.
I was ready to find my parents and share this revelation, but Benard remained rooted in place, a troubled expression clouding his face.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, sensing his hesitation.
“There’s something I need to ask you,” he said after a pause. “It’s about your identity.”
Ah, of course. This was the conversation I had been dreading–the truth I had hidden for so
long
“I wanted to talk to you about that,” I admitted, my voice stiff. “I came to you this morning to finally reveal everything ”
Benard’s eyes softened with a mixture of curiosity and concern. “I’m listening.
”
Taking a deep breath, I began. “As you know, I’ve lived under two names–Thelma Zane and Madeline. Eighteen years ago, I was an orphan taken in by kind adoptive parents who raised me as their own. But now, I’ve returned to my true family. I am Thelma Zane, the princess of the werewolves and the future Queen
hide Benard’s expression flickered with surprise and something else–hurt. “But why did you this from me?” he asked, his voice heavy with disappointment. “Your name, your identity None of that changes how I feel about you. I love you, Thelma. But it hurts that you kept this from me.
“I know,” I said softly, guilt weighing on my heart. “It wasn’t because I didn’t trust you. Everything happened so quickly after I reunited with my parents. My world changed overnight. My father, the Alpha, has many enemies, especially within the Council of Elders. They question his every move, and they wouldn’t hesitate to use me against him.
“If I had revealed my identity too soon, it would have invited suspicion, blame, and possibly even assassination attempts. My parents asked me to keep my true identity a secret to protect me and allow the pack to gradually accept my presence.”
I reached for Benard’s face, cupping it gently in my hands. “I wanted to tell you every time we met. But my identity isn’t just about me–it’s about my family and the future of our pack. I had to be careful. I’m sorry, Benard. I never meant to hurt you, and I swear I’ll never hide anything from you again.”
Benard was silent for a long moment, his eyes searching mine for sincerity. I could feel his inner conflict, the love he had for me battling with the pain of my deception.
Desperate to show him the depth of my sincerity, I made a bold decision. “I’ve awakened my wolf,” I said quietly. “Her name is Maxine. She’s part of me–an extension of my soul. We share everything, and she holds no secrets.”
Benard’s eyes widened in surprise. “Maxine?”
I nodded. “She’s a carefree spirit, but she’s also bound by the Moon Goddess’s blessing of eternal honesty. If you can’t trust me, trust her.
Before he could respond, I summoned Maxine, allowing her to take control of my body. Pain shot through me as the transition began–a searing, splitting sensation as if my very essence was being torn apart.
Benard reached out to stop me, concern etched on his face. “Thelma, don’t! You’re not ready for this!‘
But it was too late. Maxine had taken over, and I felt myself retreating into the depths of my consciousness, watching from within as she opened my eyes–a pair of bright, star–like orbs that shone with an otherworldly light.
“Hello,” Maxine greeted him, her voice calm and confident. “I’m Maxine. It’s nice to meet you, Benard.”
Benard stared at her, a mixture of awe and disbelief on his face. In that moment, I hoped he could see the truth–the bond between us, the honesty that Maxine and I shared, and the unwavering love I held for him.
