In Another's Skin

The Embered Crucible.

Warning: Dear Readers, This chapter contains intense and graphic scenes that depict brutal torture and violence. It explores deeply painful themes, including physical and psychological suffering, and contains vivid descriptions of blood and injury. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

If you are sensitive to such topics or find them distressing, please consider skipping this chapter. Your well-being is important, and we encourage you to prioritize your mental health. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
ParkAaimin.

Chapter 18: (Aaira's pov)
27 July, 2025.

I opened my eyes, my head pounding with a dull ache. It took me a moment to realize I was gagged, a rough cloth tied tightly around my mouth. Panic set in as I tried to move, but my wrists and ankles were bound as well. The room was dark, with only a faint sliver of light seeping through a crack under the door.

I struggled against the rope, my heart was racing. Memories of the last few hours-or was it days, I didn't have any idea? The meal, the old woman's maniacal laughter when I was choking, the choking pain... I had passed out, and now I was here. What was i doing here ?They had abducted me, and I was trapped in their house, hidden away like a dirty secret. No way.

The air was thick and musty in here, the smell of damp and decay filling my nostrils, making it extremely hard for me to breathe. I shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position, but the ropes dug into my skin, they made it hard, it sent sharp pains shooting through my limbs. I had to get out of here. But, we i looked around I realised, I had to escape.

My wrists were bound tightly, the rough rope chafing and cutting into my skin. It felt like they had been tied for days, the constant pressure leaving deep, angry red marks and blisters. My fingers were numb, the circulation cut off by the tightness of the bindings. The same went for my ankles, which were swollen and sore from the unforgiving restraints.

The room itself was small and dank, My body was extremely paining, the room was with bare concrete walls. The floor was cold and hard, and I could feel the grit and grime against my skin. There was a single sliver of light coming from under the door was my only indication of the outside world. But The air inside was thick with humidity, making it difficult to breathe, and the faint, metallic smell of rust mingled with the stench of mold and decay. It made it extremely hard and difficult to breathe.

There were no windows, no furniture, just a small, empty space that served as my prison. I strained to hear any sounds from outside the room, but all I could make out was the occasional drip of water and the distant hum of what sounded like a refrigerator.

I tried to twist my hands free, but the ropes only dug in deeper, sending sharp pains shooting up my arms. Tears of frustration and fear welled up in my eyes, but I forced them back. I couldn't afford to give in to despair. I had to stay strong, and had to find a way out of this nightmare.

The minutes stretched into hours, and I began to lose track of time. The lack of food and water was taking its toll, and my mouth felt dry and parched beneath the gag. My stomach growled with hunger, but the discomfort was nothing compared to the fear gnawing at my insides.

Footsteps echoed outside the room, growing louder as they approached. The door creaked open, and the old woman stepped in, her face twisted in a cruel smile.

Old Woman: Awake at last, I see.

I glared at her, my eyes full of defiance despite my fear. She walked over to me, as she smiled, savoring my helplessness.

Old woman: You must be wondering, why you're here ?

I nodded quickly.

Old Woman: You know too much, Aaira. You've seen what you shouldn't have.