CONFESSIONS

As the laughter fades, a sense of resignation settled in. I knew there was no escaping it—I had to face the truth head-on. With a surge of determination, I mustered the courage to address the pressing question that lingered between us.

"Jess, how are you feeling? Really?" I blurted out, trying to sound casual, but the tremor in my voice gave away my unease.

For a brief moment, Jess's gaze dropped, as if she was searching for the right words. When her eyes met mine again, I saw a flicker of sadness within them. Emotion weighed heavily upon her.

"Liv, physically, I'm fine," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "But emotionally... I don't know. That attack, it was like stepping into a nightmare."

Nodding in understanding, I felt a shiver run down my spine as the memories of the terrifying assault resurfaced. "It was unimaginable. I'm just grateful that you're safe."

A faint smile graced Jess's lips, but there was a trace of solemnity in her expression. "And I have you to thank for that, Liv. Your powers, they were truly remarkable. You saved my life."

I felt an odd mix of relief and curiosity "What was it like when I healed you?" I asked my voice filled with genuine intrigue.

Jess's eyes widened with awe, a smile playing on her lips. "It was like an extraordinary force, powerful and soothing, coursing through every fibre of my being. A warm, nurturing energy enveloped me, knitting my wounds back together and easing the pain. It was an experience like none other. The warmth and comfort I felt were absolutely incredible. Liv, you possess an amazing gift, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it."

As Jess spoke, her eyes sparkled with a mix of amazement and gratitude. Her vivid description painted a picture that made my heart swell with pride and relief. This newfound power suddenly felt more tangible and meaningful.

"Thank you, Jess," I replied, a warmth spreading through my chest. "Knowing that I could help you, that I made a difference... it means more to me than words can express."
Jess's hand enveloped mine, creating a reassuring bond between us. The warmth of her touch sparked a surge of comfort, as if her very presence could melt away the doubts and uncertainties that plagued my mind. Her eyes met mine with a deep understanding, and her smile radiated unwavering support.

"Liv, you have a remarkable gift," she affirmed, her voice filled with conviction. "And you know what? I believe in you. Completely. You can trust me, no matter what. We've been through so much together, and I'm here for you, always."

Her words resonated within me, an echo of the trust we had built. Yet, a nagging fear lingered, threatening to undermine my confidence. Could I really reveal the truth about who I was? Would she still accept me, embrace me as her friend, once she knew the depths of my secrets?

My mind raced, torn between the desire to unburden myself and the fear of rejection. But then, in a moment of profound connection, Jess leaned in, her voice a gentle whisper that sliced through the cacophony of doubts.

"What's on your mind, Liv?" she murmured, her words laden with compassion and understanding. "You can tell me anything. I'm here for you."

Her words hung in the air, a lifeline in the tempest of my thoughts. Suddenly, a glimmer of hope pierced through the darkness that had clouded my heart. Maybe, just maybe, I could trust her with my deepest fears and secrets. Maybe I didn't have to face this alone.

I took a deep breath, my gaze fixed on my lap, unable to meet Jess's penetrating eyes. The weight of my secrets threatened to crush me, but the warmth of her presence encouraged me to open up. She had proven her loyalty before, standing by my side even when it meant defying her own mate.

Summoning my courage, I raised my eyes to meet hers, finding solace in the kindness and compassion reflected in her eyes. She wasn't here to judge; she genuinely cared. The memory of her unwavering support bolstered my resolve, and I knew I couldn't keep this secret buried any longer.

With a trembling voice, I began to speak, revealing the truth that had burdened me for far too long. "The reason I started staying at Dr. Volkov's pack is because... I went berserk and lost control." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of vulnerability.

Jess's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of concern and curiosity dancing within them. "I hope that wasn't too painful for you to talk about, Liv. Should we talk more about it later?" Her words offered an escape, a chance to retreat, but I knew deep down that I couldn't turn back now.

"No, please..." I pleaded; my voice filled with an urgency I couldn't contain. "I don't think I will have the courage to tell you everything if I don't do it now." The memories flooded my mind, each one accompanied by a surge of fear. This was my chance to unburden myself, to trust in the strength of our friendship.

As I spoke, the weight of my revelation lifted, replaced by a sense of liberation. "Dr. Volkov thought I lost control because I was infected with the virus." The truth hung between us, an invisible thread connecting our souls. I held my breath, waiting for Jess's response.

Her lips parted in astonishment, her eyes widening with realization. "Oh my God, Liv," she whispered, her voice laced with genuine concern. "Are you okay now? Are you still infected?" Her grip tightened around my hand, offering a comforting reassurance.

I shook my head, my uncertainty mingling with hope. "I don't know. After that incident, I didn't lose control again, and Dr. Volkov conducted some blood tests, but he hasn't shared the results with me yet. During the meeting, they mentioned the possibility of me healing Mia from the virus... Maybe I healed myself too?"

Jess's concern transformed into a steady resolve. Her hand remained firmly clasped with mine, a silent pledge of support. "Liv, that's a lot to deal with. I'm sorry you had to go through that alone. But you're not alone anymore." Her words echoed in my ears, filling me with a sense of belonging that I hadn't realized I craved.

I knew deep down that Jess was right—I wasn't alone. The thought of what I was about to reveal next weighed heavily on me, and a part of me wondered if I was being selfish. But the time had come to shed the burden I had carried for far too long. Jess had been there for me through thick and thin, and she deserved to know the truth.

"Thank you, Jess," I said, my voice filled with gratitude and determination. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what I was about to disclose. "There's something else I haven't told you... Jess... I am not who you think I am."

As the words left my lips, a surge of fear rose in my chest. I had guarded this secret with utmost care, afraid of judgment and rejection. The only ones who knew were Bertha and Marcus, but now, sitting beside Jess, I knew it was time to be honest.

Avoiding her gaze was difficult, but I knew I had to press on. Confusion and uncertainty played across Jess's face, as if she struggled to comprehend what I had just revealed. I couldn't blame her—I had deceived her for so long. Yet, if I stopped now, I might lose my chance to explain fully.

"Jess, I'm the Princess of Adrenia," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. I braced myself for her reaction, unsure of what awaited me. Would she dismiss my words as absurd? Would she laugh and call me a liar?

As I looked at her, however, I saw something different in her eyes—a flicker of understanding, a glimmer that told me she believed me, even in the face of such a revelation.
Silence enveloped us as Jess processed the bombshell I had dropped. "Oh my God! You're the Princess? Liv, why didn't you tell me before? I'm your best friend; you can trust me."

"I know, Jess, but it's not that simple," I replied, my voice laced with a mix of regret and vulnerability. "There are people searching for me, and I didn't want to put you in danger."

Her features softened, and she reached out to hold my hand, offering a comforting reassurance. "Liv, you don't have to face this alone. We'll figure it out together. Who is looking for you?"

I swallowed hard, steeling myself for what came next. "My stepmother."

My heart raced as the words escaped my lips. The memory of that cold, calculating woman who had seized control of my father's kingdom after his death still sent shivers down my spine.

Jess's grip on my hand tightened, an unspoken vow that she would stand by me. "What does she want with you?"

As I recounted the horrors my stepmother had subjected me to—starting from the moment my father passed away, the injections, Prince Eric, and the destruction of my precious sketchbooks—I could see the anger building within Jess. It was almost comforting to know that someone else shared my righteous fury.

"How could she do that to you?" Jess exclaimed; her voice filled with indignation. "She's insane!"

I nodded, appreciating Jess's empathy. "She's always been obsessed with power and control. And now, as the last living heir to the throne, she sees me as nothing more than a means to fulfil her ambitions."

Jess's grip on my hand tightened even more, conveying unwavering support. "Liv, we'll find a way to stop her. You don't have to face this alone."

Shaking my head, a weak smile crossed my lips. "Right now, I'm happy where I am. I have friends like you whom I can count on. I just want to leave that life behind."
Jess's expression softened, her voice gentle. "I understand, Liv. But we still need to ensure your safety. And we can't let your stepmother get away with what she's done to you."

Agreeing wholeheartedly, I nodded. Grateful for Jess's unwavering commitment "I know. And I'm glad to have you by my side."

A warm smile illuminated Jess's face. "Always, Liv. Always."

For the first time in a long while, a glimmer of hope flickered within me. With Jess's unwavering support, perhaps I could finally leave behind the shadows of my past and step boldly into a brighter, more promising future.