Why... why is everything so dark?
Darkness enveloped Asher completely, almost as if trying to welcoming him into its cold grasp. Despite being unconscious, he could still feel the coldness his body felt within the blackness of his consciousness and from the outside world. Asher didn't dare to open his eyes, knowing that if he did, a lifetime of endless work and dissatisfaction would be waiting for him.
Despite his desperate pleas of staying in complete darkness forever, Asher's body had already begun waking up and had started to become more susceptible to its surroundings. However, there was something deeply unsettling about his surroundings.
There was no feeling of dreadfulness, only peace, and calm. Instead of his old and sturdy bed, he was met with something more... different, to say the least. Asher knew that winter was slowly approaching and this meant that the temperature was slowly but surely decreasing. However, it shouldn't be this cold. Not only that, but his body was being carried away by some unknown force. At this very moment, he widened his eyes in shock and horror as he swam up as quickly as he could. Finally, he resurfaced from what could only be described as a huge bathtub made out of the darkest stone imaginable.
Asher then closed his eyes as a sudden wave of exhaustion washed over him. He didn't bother thinking about his current surroundings, especially since he had almost lost his life back there. Asher chuckled darkly before opening his mouth to speak in a small whisper, "To think that I would rather live in this nightmare than to die peacefully."
There was something off about Asher's voice. His voice used to be raspy and was unpleasant to listen to since he barely even used it. Now, his voice was much smoother, not to mention less deep. It sounded almost as if he were a child.
A sudden realization dawned upon Asher as he opened his eyes and observed intently his surroundings. His current expression gave off the idea that he was calm under his current situation, but his eyes gave way to the fact that he was scared shitless. He clearly remembers sleeping in his bed last night. Why did he suddenly appear here? Plus, he woke up in an unfamiliar room that was way above his pay grade.
Suddenly, the door of the bathroom opened. Soft footsteps echoed throughout the silent bathroom as Asher raised his gaze, his eyes meeting a pair of iridescent iris eyes. The owner of the beautiful pair of eyes was a tall and tanned woman that seemed to be wearing what Asher could only guess as a maid's uniform. Her sleek, black hair that was kept up in a tall ponytail swayed frantically from side to side as she rushed towards her young master's side. Her beautiful iris eyes sparkled under the bathroom's dim lights and were only filled with concern for the young boy.
"Young Master! You will most certainly catch a cold if you stay there for too long!"
Then, she dipped her hand into the water, her gaze hardening after feeling the water's temperature. Without any hesitation whatsoever, she took Asher into her strong arms and made him stand while she quickly dried him off. While the maid was noticeably skinny, he could still feel a thin layer of muscle. Not expecting the maid to forcefully pull him out of the water, Asher blushed in embarrassment and tried covering himself up with his small hands.
Wait, small? Asher looked at himself in a cloudy mirror and yelped in surprise. The sickly pale 26-year old man was now replaced by a young child that had just barely begun puberty. His dark hair reached his collarbone and his once dull, brown eyes were now a strikingly cold dark blue. His skin was now a much healthier color, almost creamy like.
Asher kept observing himself in the mirror as he got lost in his own thoughts. I might be in a thirteen-year old's judging from its pre-puberty appearance. However, why is this body so small and female looking?
The maid didn't notice his shocked expression and simply dressed him up. "This is why I would much rather help you bathe. You could've drowned, Young Master!" She scolds the still shocked boy.
"Zara, would I be having breakfast with my family?"
Asher said unexpectedly before looked at her in confusion. He barely just met her, so why would he know her name? Not only that, but he didn't seem to be able to control himself while saying that. It was almost as if another person had momentarily taken over him. Zara mistook his confusion and thought that the young boy was questioning his family's absence.
Feeling a bit hesitant, the tanned beauty opened her mouth to speak, her voice gentle and soothing. "Young Master, your parents had some important matters to discuss with the king and left early. Your elder brothers already ate and have already begun their training."
Asher felt disappointed, but he didn't know why. Why was he here? Who are these people she just spoke about? Why does he feel discouraged about the fact that these people wouldn't be able to eat with him?
"Zara, I'm not feeling well. Could you please bring the food here?" He asked shakily. His eyes welled up with tears as he turned his attention to the floor, not wanting to look at the maid in the eyes.
Sighing sadly, she bowed. "As you wish, Young Master."
Once the maid had left, Asher let himself cry softly as a painful smile decorated his youthful face. He was in an unknown place with people he barely knew. His heart burned with unknown but painful feelings as silent tears escaped his eyes and trickled down his porcelain cheeks.
Not bothering to wipe them away, Asher walked out of the bathroom and into what he could only assume was his bedroom. There was a big but comfortable-looking bed in the corner of the spacious room and a medium-sized dark-colored cabinet that contrasted against the whiteness of the bed's fluffy sheets. On the other side of the room was a wide closet that showcased different brands of expensive clothing. Other than that, the room was barren; devoid of any life or color.
The lack of life made Asher feel anxious as he tightly closed his eyes and sat on the floor. He rocked himself back and forth as more tears ran down his cheeks, the feeling of loneliness began brewing deep within him. His mom and dad-- were they worried? Did they even realize that he was gone? Asher rarely ever contacted them, to begin with. He was certain that they have yet to notice his absence.
Then, the door opened. Asher breathed in the delicious scent of food as he immediately turned his gaze towards the door. Zara walked in holding a silver platter and her eyes immediately met with her Young Master's sad expression, making her frown slightly. She walked towards the white bed, placing the silver platter on top of it and removing the lid.
Asher wasn't aware of the maid's feelings as his attention was directed towards the food that was neatly placed on the silver platter. It's been so long since he had actual food. In the past, the boy had always ignored the feeling of hunger and mostly settled with eating at least four slices of moldy bread daily. He immediately stood up and walked towards the bed before sitting down.
"Shall I feed you, Young Master?" Zara asked while looking at Asher. He hesitated and stared at his hands before nodding. He would've denied her suggestion if it wasn't for the fact that he was shaking uncontrollably. This would affect his hold on the silver spoon and Asher would end up dirtying his high-priced clothes. Smiling, the tanned maid nodded before swiftly taking the spoon and fed him.
After Asher had completely cleaned the plate, the mage noticed his droopy and moistened eyes. She smiled while thinking to herself how just cute her Young Master is. Ah, such a shame that he is barely acknowledged by his family...
Now frowning, Zara ushered the tired boy to his bed. "Do not fret, Young Master. This lowly maid will wake you up in time for lunch."
The bed proved to be incredibly comfortable as Asher took Zara's suggestion seriously. He nestled his small body against the sheets. It felt as if he was laying on a couple of clouds that surrounded him with warmth. Smiling to himself, Asher's previous anxiety slowly washed away as he felt more tired by the second. Before completely falling to sleep, he looked at the maid and flashed her a small smile.
"Thank you, Zara. Next time, don't call yourself a lowly maid, all right?" Then, he immediately fell asleep.
After hearing the words her Young Master muttered before falling asleep, Zara couldn't help but smile sadly. It truly was such a shame that his elder brothers couldn't see just how caring and sweet her Young Master is. Her Young Master had always been polite and caring towards her, making her pledge her loyalty to him completely.
The tanned maid had been taken care of Asher ever since he was born. At the time, she was only a 20-year old and had barely any experience in taking care of children. Despite this, her Young Master's father, Alejandro Pierce, scouted her after seeing her outstanding healing capabilities. While she was not well versed in martial arts, she was incredibly talented in traditional medicine and had wanted to become a doctor one day. However, after being scouted and meeting with the young boy's father, she agreed to become a maid at his manor. Zara was trained under Alejandro to become strong enough to protect the Third Young Master of the Pierce household.
Thankfully, her past self was able to give up on her dreams and become a servant in the Pierce household. At first, the tanned maid had only accepted because the payment she would receive was enough for her to live comfortably and to support her single mother. Despite her giving up on her dreams, Zara had never once regretted her decision to serve her Young Master. It's a huge honor being chosen by Alejandro Pierce to protect a member of his family, especially his youngest son.
The only thing that irks the tanned maid about her job is the fact that she gets to observe first hand how his eldest brother and father ignore and berate the young boy. His second elder brother, on the other hand, simply avoids her Young Master. The reason why is currently unknown, but this has begun to take an emotional toll on her Young Master. Whenever the small boy passes by his father or brothers, you can see the sadness deep within the young boy's eyes. Thankfully, his mother spoils him and tries her best to make him feel loved. However, it doesn't seem to be enough for Asher. The young boy yearns for his father's and brother's love and affection.
A small sigh escaped the maid's lips as her purple-iris eyes shone with warmth and worry as she stared at her Young Master Asher. Zara slightly ruffled the young boy's dark hair and kissed his forehead before stepping away. Her tanned cheeks flushed bright red, clearly feeling embarrassed. However, there was a smile tugging at her lips as she gazed fondly at her Young Master.
"I promise to protect you with my life, Young Master. You are the reason why I'm here, so I shall excel in all of my duties for you."
Then, the maid bowed and quietly left the room before turning off the lights. She walked down the halls, her footsteps echoing throughout the empty estate. Hurried footsteps were heard behind the tanned maid, making her turn around and raise an eyebrow.
"Anne, please be quieter. Young Master Asher is currently resting in his room," said Zara with a sigh as she shook her head, causing her long hair to move swiftly from side to side.
The clumsy young maid sheepishly smiled at the elegant woman in front of her. "Please forgive me, Zara. Since the Third Young Master is resting, would you mind helping this maid with a few chores?"
Zara nodded as Anne quietly celebrated before taking her hand and dragging her away. Unbeknownst to everyone, the Third Young Master will soon wake from his slumber and cause havoc throughout the calm and peaceful estate.