The Dark Lord's Wife

Lies, Lies, Lies

News flash:

I am an artist, nay an artistic virtuoso; a veritable master of my craft.

... I mean, really. Did you witness the way I so expertly spun that intricate web of lies just now?

As I sit there beside her, I watch as she turns her gaze downwards to the locket now cupped reverently in her palm as it dangles hypnotically from her neck. And my thoughts can't help but to stray to self congratulation as I now perform a silent victory lap in my mind.

... It's my greatest asset, all our prior interactions.

Be they mostly negative in her eyes, it really doesn't matter, at least not to me.

Don't you see?

... Layered interactions are layered interactions.

Even if she doesn't remember me, even if I've abused and mistreated her ...

- Ahem - her words, not mine -

... I simply act in my own best interest; it's not my fault my best interests so often seem to run contrary to hers.

Anyway, my point is this: she doesn't remember the details; she doesn't remember anything.

... Not yet at least.

But the layers?

... Those remain.

And that's all I need, really. Because that's how I'll conquer; it's how I'll win her once and for all.

And I didn't lie; at least not entirely. We do have history. Exactly as I said just moments ago, we have a very deep history.

But I'm no fool; I see that she barely trusts me. I see that at best it's a lukewarm, tentative trust.

And the locket?

... Don't worry. I'll get it back sooner or later. I'd never have given it away if I honestly feared losing it.

Falling back in my seat, I continue to study her thoughtfully as I plot my next move.

... I need to seize this rare opportunity; I need to act now!

And of course, I need to act flawlessly.

That's it then: time for the master to really get to work.

My brilliant plan, which I've crafted in the span of just a few moments time, is to penetrate her mind, but raise absolutely no alarms while doing so. If we can manage to establish a telepathic connection, every thought I send must be wholesome and must be convincing enough for her to let her guard fully down.

And then - then ...

Every memory she has of Salazar; everything hidden away in the recesses of her unconscious mind from our alternate timelines ... in every instance I will swap her memory of Salazar for me.

Yes, I will become her Salazar and he will become her Tom.

And then?

... I win.

I win once and for all.

It's so close I can taste it - the finish line; my endgame;

... My victory.

"And how do you propose we do this then?"

Her voice, now calling me back from my thoughts, my secret ambitions.