Azriel opened his mouth, ready to object or defend Bella against Markus’s pointed questions, but his words faltered when Bella stepped forward. Her expression was one of defeat but also of quiet resolve.
"I believe it’s time to come clean," she said softly, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands.
"I will tell you the truth. There is no need for an Alpha command."
"Bella..." Asher exclaimed, his voice thick with concern and disbelief.
Bella turned to him, squeezing his hand with a small, reassuring smile. "It’s okay, Ash. I’ll be fine. It’s time to get rid of this burden that’s been eating me alive."
The room seemed to freeze in the wake of her words. Azriel and Lora stared at her in stunned silence, their shock evident. Even King Markus, who had expected resistance, looked
