Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1093

Myles found himself pinned to the chair, his heart racing as he tried to process what was happening. The man leaning over him smirked, closing the distance between them. "It's sad, really," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Being someone else's shadow, losing your sense of self."

Myles felt a wave of humiliation wash over him. He was supposed to be invincible; with that mask on, everyone obeyed him. He was used to calling the shots, but now, here was someone tearing down his façade without mercy.

Everything he had, he owed to that mask. Without it, he was nothing.

"But I must admit," the man continued, "it's impressive how you've managed to stay disguised by that man's side for so long. Truly the top hypnotist."

Myles' skills in hypnotism were indeed unmatched in the world. He was so adept that he could even hypnotize himself, which made the truth all the more humiliating when it came out.

"What do you want?" Myles demanded, his voice tinged with desperation.

The last time this man had appeared out of nowhere, he had mocked Myles, as if urging him to face reality. But even if he did, what then? He liked being the King's shadow; without that role, he wasn't sure what else he could do.

"Your feelings for Brielle," the man said, "do they stem from a suggestion you placed on yourself, or do you truly like her?"

Myles didn't answer because he wasn't sure himself. He had blurred the lines between fiction and reality. He was the King, and the King loved Brielle, so did the shadow. He loved her so much that he wanted to cherish everything she used, not even sparing a cup. As if by doing so, he could prove he was a proper shadow.

"Work with me," the man offered, releasing Myles' neck. "I'll help you completely take his place."

A flicker of excitement crossed Myles' face, quickly replaced by disappointment.

"Didn't you hypnotize Brielle once?" the man continued. "You almost ended up killing that kid, but the King never doubted you. That means you have the potential to do more than just be someone's shadow. Are you really content with that?"

Content?