In Another's Skin

Flickering Embers.

Chapter 21: (Aaira's pov)
28 July, 2025.

I awoke to the soft sound of a voice calling out to me, pulling me gently from the depths of sleep. Blinking against the afternoon light filtering through the curtains, I struggled to focus on the source of the voice. My eyes slowly adjusted, and I saw one of the maids standing by my bedside.

Maid: Good afternoon, ma'am. How are you feeling?

Her sudden presence startled me, and I tried to sit up, but my hands felt weak, devoid of strength. As I glanced down, I noticed a thin, clear tube connected to my hand, leading to a small device that seemed to be transferring something into me. Panic surged through me. I had never seen such a contraption before, and its purpose was a mystery to me, what is it ?

Aaira: What... what is this?

I tried to pull the tube out. The maid quickly moved to my side, her hands gently stopping me.

Maid: Please, ma'am, don't do this. It's for your recovery.

Her voice was soothing, I had no knowledge of such devices; in my time, healing was a slow and painful process, reliant on natural remedies and the care of those around you. This was something entirely different, something beyond my understanding.

Maid: Ma'am please don't pull out the cannula. It's transferring blood to help you regain everything you've lost.

Her words barely registered as I continued to stare at the tube, my breath coming in shallow, rapid gasps. I felt trapped, what was happening to me ?

Maid: Please, ma'am, try to stay calm. You're safe here.

The maid's calm figure and gentle touch slowly began to soothe my frayed nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Her words, though foreign, still we're doing little to calm my unsurity.

Aaira: I... I don't understand. What is happening to me?

The maid offered a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with empathy.

Maid: You've been through a lot, ma'am. The cannula is helping to restore the blood loss, Please trust us. We're here to help you.

I nodded slowly, still unsure but willing to trust her. My body was too weak to fight, and my mind too weary to resist. The maid adjusted the pillows behind me, helping me sit up more comfortably.

Maid: Is there anything you need? Anything I can bring you?

I shook my head, my thoughts still racing. The room around me felt both familiar and strange, echoes of a past I couldn't fully grasp mingling with the reality of my present. The maid's presence was a small comfort in the sea of uncertainty. But I don't remember coming here, why was I here suddenly in this strangely familiar room ?

Aaira: Just... tell me where I am. How did I get here?

The maid sat down beside me, her voice gentle and patient.

Maid: You're in a safe place, ma'am. Little Prince, brought you here. You're being taken care of, and we'll make sure you get better.

The mention of little prince Reminded me of my son, Aimin. But I know this little prince was someone else, i tried my best to recall everything and i realised, I was here being brought by Ian. I took another deep breath, trying to steady myself, though I was scared what will happen when Jungkook finds out ?

Aaira: Thank you... for everything.

The maid smiled warmly.

Maid: You're welcome, ma'am. Rest now.

As the maid was about to leave, I heard footsteps approaching from outside the door. The door creaked open, and the maids quickly bowed. It was Ian, holding a tray of food. The sight of him standing there, caring and attentive, made me gulp.