Chapter 118. Crown of Ashes

Xerina’s POV

“Let go,” he whispered, his voice a soothing balm to my fractured mind. “Let go of the past, of the lies they’ve told you. Embrace your true self, and you’ll find peace. I promise.”

His lips were on mine before I could respond, soft and demanding, drawing me in, consuming me. I should have pushed him away, fought against him, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. I was drowning in him, in the lies he was feeding me, in the twisted love he offered. And as he pulled me deeper into the darkness, I found myself wanting it. Craving it.

When he finally pulled away, I was breathless, my heart racing, my mind a jumbled mess of emotions and memories that I could no longer separate. What was real? What was a lie? I didn’t know anymore. But Zane—Zane was real. His touch, his words, his love. That was real. Wasn’t it?

He gathered me in his arms, holding me close, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt safe. He was warm, solid, a haven in the