In Another's Skin

The Escaping Ember

Chapter 40: (Aaira's pov)

The first light of dawn was barely beginning to touch the horizon when Jungkook left, really very early in the evening. I slowly rose from the bed, I was still not okay with the fact that Jungkook had left me like this, my legs trembling as I moved towards the kitchen. I needed something to occupy my mind with, something that might give me a momentary escape from everything that's happening in my life.

The kitchen was quiet, the birds were chirping outside, I took a deep breath as I approached the hearth, the cool morning air seeped through. I decided to prepare a simple French dish. I set my sights on making a classic crêpe.

My mother was French, so she used to make this dish for me when I was a child, First, I gathered the ingredients. Flour, eggs, milk, a touch of butter, and a pinch of salt. I took a bowl and sifted the flour into it, creating a small mound.

I made a well in the center and cracked the eggs into it. Using a whisk, I gradually incorporated the flour with the eggs, creating a smooth mixture. Slowly, I added the milk, bit by bit, until the batter was smooth and slightly runny.

In a small pan over the fire, I melted a small amount of butter, ensuring it coated the entire surface. Once the butter was hot but not smoking, I poured a thin layer of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread it evenly. The batter cooked quickly, turning golden brown on one side before I flipped it to cook the other. I repeated this process, stacking the crêpes as they finished.

With the crêpes made, I prepared a simple filling of fresh fruit and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. I carefully rolled each crêpe and arranged them neatly on a plate. As I set the crêpes aside, I turned my attention to making a refreshing, healthy drink to accompany them.

I reached for a few ripe apples, which I washed and peeled before slicing them into small pieces. I placed the apple slices into a mortar and pestle, grinding them into a coarse pulp. In a small saucepan, I heated water until it was just below boiling.

I then poured it over the apple pulp, allowing it to steep for a few minutes to extract the natural juices. I stirred the mixture occasionally, ensuring the flavors melded together. After straining the apple mixture through a fine cloth to remove any solids, I added a touch of honey for sweetness.

I poured the drink into a glass jug, adding a few fresh mint leaves for a hint of freshness. The resulting apple-mint infusion was a simple yet invigorating beverage, perfect for starting the day with a touch of comfort.

As I held the plate of crêpes and the jug of apple-mint infusion, I made my way down to the basement. The basement was cold and dimly lit, opposite to the warmth of the kitchen I had just left.

The door creaked open, and I stepped inside, my eyes immediately falling on Y/n. She was shackled, sitting against the wall, her posture tired but defiant. I approached her silently.

Without a word, I reached for the gag that was strapped tightly around her mouth. As I removed it, her eyes widened in surprise. She stared at me, her expressions were a mix of shock and curiosity.

Y/n: What happened to you? You look different...

I didn't respond. Instead, I placed the plate of crêpes in front of her, my gaze fixed on the food rather than on her face. I hated her-hated the way she had twisted my life, the pain she had caused. Yet, here I was, offering her food as if to somehow reconcile or justify my actions.

I crouched down before her, my eyes roaming over her form. Her wounds were healed now, the bandages gone, revealing skin that had mended over time. I had no idea how long she had been down here, the days blending together in a blur of suffering and numbness for me.