Chapter 137

I could faintly hear Riona's voice calling my name—distant, muffled, like it was echoing through a thousand layers of darkness. Her voice trembled, desperate. And even though I couldn't see her, I knew her well enough to understand what that meant.

She was on the edge, or maybe already past it.

If I didn't wake up soon… she'd break. Worse, she'd snap. She'd kill—dozens, maybe more. No one would be able to stop her. Not Leon. Not Eliana. Not even Eros. Hell, she might just rip the palace down with her bare hands in the name of revenge.

I had to get out.

But how?

Unfortunately, the smug bastard standing in front of me, wearing my face like a twisted reflection, was making it damn hard. His expression was a mix of amusement and pity, like I was some poor fool playing a losing game.

"Hm… You still haven't given up," he said, almost fondly. "I've got to say, I admire the determination. You've earned this."