Ling Xiya’s consciousness was like drowning in a warm and viscous deep sea.
Surrounding her was the unique, sweet, and seductive scent belonging only to Isayat.
Every breath was like absorbing nutrients that gave her peace of mind.
When her eyelids finally flickered and her consciousness slowly surfaced from the chaos, the first thing that caught her eye was not the intricate patterns on the ceiling as she had expected, but a pair of eyes as deep as the night sky, now carrying a faint smile.
“Are you awake?”
Isayat’s voice was as soft as a feather brushing against the heart, carrying an indisputable magic.
“My maid, did you sleep well last night?”
Ling Xiya’s gaze was momentarily dazed, as if she had forgotten where she was and who she was.
But when she saw that breathtakingly beautiful face clearly and felt the familiar scent radiating from her, an intense sense of peace and dependence—nearly enough to drown her—instantly swept through her entire body.
“Mas… Master…”
Her voice was raspy from just waking up, with a trace of imperceptible trembling, born from the excitement and relief of seeing Isayat again.
She subconsciously tried to sit up but felt a slight dizziness.
Isayat reached out and gently pressed down on her shoulder.
“Don’t be in a hurry to get up. Lie down for a while longer.”
Her fingertips were icy, yet the touch made Ling Xiya feel incredibly comfortable and attached.
Ling Xiya obediently lay back down, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on Isayat’s face, as if she were afraid that if she blinked, the person before her would vanish.
This feeling was becoming increasingly intense.
Ling Xiya herself had vaguely noticed this point.
As long as Isayat was out of her sight for more than a short period, she would feel an inexplicable irritability, panic, and even a coldness throughout her body, making her unable to sit still.
Her heart felt as if it were gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and even breathing became difficult.
Only when Isayat reappeared before her, or even just when she heard Isayat’s voice, would that suffocating pain ease, replaced by a morbid, extreme sense of security.
She knew this feeling was abnormal.
“What are you thinking about?”
Isayat’s voice rang out again, tinged with curiosity.
Her fingers gently slid across Ling Xiya’s cheek.
The cold touch made Ling Xiya squint her eyes comfortably, like a cat being stroked.
“Nothing, Master.”
Ling Xiya hurriedly gathered her thoughts, driving out those untimely notions.
She tilted her head slightly, rubbing her cheek against Isayat’s palm.
This intimate action surprised even herself, but her body was more honest than her conscious mind.
“It’s just… I just feel that being able to look at Master like this is truly wonderful.”
Her eyes were as pure as a clear spring, clearly reflecting Isayat’s figure, filled with undisguised, almost morbid attachment and admiration.
Looking at her like this, the smile at the corners of Isayat’s mouth became increasingly cold and satisfied.
The Imprint had already reached the marrow of her bones; she had completely become the most submissive and clingy pet in the palm of her hand.
This was much more interesting than simply killing her or imprisoning her.
“Is that so?”
Isayat let out a soft laugh, her tone carrying a hint of lazy teasing.
“Then what if… I let you look at me like this forever?”
Ling Xiya’s eyes instantly lit up, shining with an almost fanatical light.
“Is that really possible? Master!”
She asked urgently, her voice full of anticipation.
“If I can stay by Master’s side and watch over Master forever, Xiya… Xiya is willing to do anything!”
Anything.
She said these three words with absolute determination, carrying an indisputable resolve.
A cold light of satisfaction flashed in Isayat’s eyes.
“Very well.”
She said slowly,
“Then, my maid, from today on, you must work harder to learn how to please me, understand?”
“Yes! Master! Xiya will definitely work hard!”
Ling Xiya nodded vigorously, her face flushed with a happy glow.
Being able to do things for her master and gain her master’s approval was now the only meaning in her life.
Isayat withdrew her hand and stood up.
“Alright, get up. There are many things to do today.”
Ling Xiya immediately climbed out of bed obediently.
Her movements were swift and agile, the dizziness from before completely gone.
She skillfully tidied her clothes and then stood respectfully before Isayat with her head bowed, waiting for her orders.
That posture was as humble as the most devout believer.
Looking at Ling Xiya’s completely domesticated appearance, Isayat’s mood improved significantly.
But then, her gaze turned cold again.
There was still some “trash” that needed to be cleaned up.
She had to eliminate all those hidden dangers before Ling Xiya “stabilized” completely.
“Master, what are you thinking about?”
Ling Xiya keenly sensed the fleeting, icy killing intent emanating from Isayat.
She looked up somewhat uneasily and asked cautiously.
She didn’t like Master showing such an expression; it made her feel afraid—afraid that something would disturb the peaceful and happy life she currently shared with Master.
Isayat returned to her senses, the coldness on her face vanishing instantly, replaced by that lazy and seductive smile once more.
“It’s nothing,” she said indifferently, her gaze falling on Ling Xiya with a hint of scrutiny.
“I was just thinking, my maid is so cute; if some blind fool were to covet you, what should I do?”
Ling Xiya’s heart suddenly tightened.
A strong surge of jealousy and possessiveness instantly rushed into her heart.
Coveting Master?
No!
Absolutely not allowed!
Master belonged to her!
She could only be hers!
No one was allowed to covet Master!
No one!
“Master!”
Ling Xiya said urgently, her gaze becoming sharp and filled with a morbid paranoia.
“Please rest assured! Xiya will protect Master! Any person who tries to approach or covet Master, Xiya will… will make them pay the price!”
Her tone was decisive, and a dangerous light flickered in her eyes.
Seeing the undisguised killing intent and possessiveness in Ling Xiya’s eyes, Isayat smiled with satisfaction.
It seemed the effects of her brainwashing were even better than expected.
Not only had she become dependent and submissive, but it had also stimulated the hidden desire to protect her deep within her heart.
That way, perhaps she could save herself quite a bit of trouble.
“Oh? Is that so?”
Isayat tilted her eyebrows, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness.
“But, my little maid, your strength… doesn’t seem to be enough to protect me yet.”
“Master, my holy power, look…”