Chapter 139. Him and I

Xerina’s POV

“You can’t stop me, Rasmus,” I hissed, my voice cold, detached. I circled him like a predator, watching the way his breaths came ragged now, his chest heaving as blood trickled from his wounds. “This ends with you on the ground, in pieces.”

But he didn’t fall. He refused to. Even now, with his blood painting the earth, he fought back. His eyes—those cursed, familiar eyes—never left mine.

“Xerina...” His voice was softer now, almost pleading. “This isn’t who you are. You were never meant for this.”

I laughed, the sound vicious and sharp.

“You don’t know who I am!”

Rasmus didn’t move. He didn’t lunge. He didn’t swing to hurt me. He just stood there, blood dripping from his side, his eyes locked on mine like I was someone he recognized. Someone he knew.

But he was wrong.

I wasn’t her. Whoever he thought I was, she was gone. And I was going to prove it.

I rushed him, faster this time, my claws slicing through the