In Another's Skin

Embered Apparition.

Chapter 20: (Aaira's pov)

The nightmares came again, haunting me in the darkness of my sleep. I was trapped in the basement, the cold steel of the chair biting into my skin, the cruel laughter echoing in my ears. The pain was unbearable, searing through my hand as the nail drove deep into my flesh. I could feel the blood dripping, the pain coursing through my veins.

I woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest, tears streaming down my face. The room was dark, but I could make out the familiar outline of Jungkook beside me. My sobs were uncontrollable, my body trembling with the horror of the dream.

Jungkook: Aaira, shh, it's okay. I'm here.

His voice was soothing, filled with concern and love as he quickly embraced me, pulling me into his arms. I clung to him, desperate for the comfort his presence provided. His warmth began to ease the terror gripping my heart, but the pain of the memory was still too fresh.

Aaira: Jungkook They...

Jungkook: They who, Aaira ?

Aaira: They... They... Jungkook.

I couldn't breathe, even with my mouth open, i tried to breath but I couldn't.

Jungkook: My baby, I'm here right ? Try to breath, Slowly.

I tried to breathe, when I was a little steady, I tried to speak, but my body was still trembling.

Aaira: They... They nailed my hand to the chair, Jung... Jungkook.

Jungkook: They what ?

Jungkook was shocked. My words were choked with sobs. Jungkook fell silent, his body tensing as he processed my words. I felt him gasp, a sharp intake of breath that conveyed his shock and horror. His eyes searched for mine, his mouth slightly ajar. I started crying more, as i tried to tell him again.

Aaira: Jungkook, that.... That old couple, they, they nailed my hands.

Jungkook hugged me, trying to calm me but I couldn't seem to calm down, I was trembling.

Aaira: Blood... Blood, so much blood I lost, Jungkook.

Jungkook: Oh my God, Aaira... Please calm down, you're safe.

His voice was barely audible for me. He quickly held both my hands, his eyes scanning the wounds on my skin, the marks left behind by the nails. His fingers gently traced the scars.

Jungkook: How could they do this to you?

His voice broke, tears welling up in his eyes as he looked at me, his heart breaking at the sight of my pain. I could see the rage building within him, a fire of anger.

Aaira: I don't know... I don't know why.

I sobbed, burying my face in his chest. He held me tighter, his grip almost desperate as if he feared letting go would mean losing me to the horrors of my past.

Jungkook: I'm so sorry, Aaira. I'm so, so sorry.

He whispered over and over, his voice filled with a deep sorrow that only made my heart ache more, I could feel his tears mixing with mine.

Aaira: I can't... I can't forget it, Jungkook.

I admitted, He nodded, his hand gently caressing my hair. He pulled me into his lap, cradling me as if I were fragile glass. I continued to sob.

Aaira: Jungkook... they poisoned my food. I... I was sleeping for five days straight.

My voice broke, the words barely escaping my lips. Jungkook's arms tightened around me. His other hand moved to my back, gently rubbing in slow, soothing circles.