Chapter 121. Threads of Control

Zane’s POV

Xerina was mine.

She always was, whether she knew it or not. And soon, she wouldn’t have a choice.

I watched her as she sat by the window, her body limp, her eyes half-lidded, the faintest trace of the herb I’d slipped into her food beginning to work its magic. Beautiful. So malleable. She didn’t even realize what was happening, not yet. But soon, the memories would fade, one by one, slipping from her grasp like sand in the wind. She’d forget him. Forget them all.

I’d erase them from her mind, piece by piece, until there was nothing left but me.

Her breathing was steady, her lips parted slightly, unaware of the storm brewing inside her. I leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. My touch lingered longer than necessary, my fingers curling against her skin. She didn’t flinch. Not anymore.

She trusted me now.

How foolish.

The herb was subtle, perfect. It twisted her thoughts, manipulated her memories,