Kylie groaned as she woke up but quickly shut her eyes against the blinding light that pierced them. After a few moments, her eyelashes fluttered open again, and her gaze settled on her surroundings with dawning recognition.
"I'm still in the hospital..."
Looking around, she noticed she was alone and took a moment to gather her thoughts. Memories filled her mind—both hers and Ayla's—and she pursed her lips, releasing a sigh.
'So this is what another chance feels like,' she thought, raising her hand to inspect her skin. Her tattoos and scars were gone, replaced by smooth, flawless skin. Spotting a mirror at the far end of the room, she carefully got out of bed.
"Ow," she winced, gingerly removing the needle that had been inserted in her hand.
Breathing deeply, Kylie steadied herself as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. But as soon as her feet touched the ground, her legs buckled. Gripping the bed for support, she steadied her trembling body. After a moment, she slowly made her way to the mirror, each step deliberate and shaky.
The reflection staring back at her took her breath away. The girl in the mirror had skin so pale it looked almost translucent. Her long, platinum-blond hair framed a face that was both ethereal and haunting, her piercing blue eyes sharp and vivid. Her lips, once warm and full, were now tinged with a bluish hue.
Kylie frowned. This wasn't the girl she had seen in her vision. That girl had been frail, yes, but her hair had been darker, her eyes duller. This body was unfamiliar and unsettling.
"How am I going to survive like this?" she muttered, examining the oversized hospital gown hanging loosely on her frail frame. "This body is so weak; a strong gust of wind could knock me over. There's so much work to do."
She ran her fingers over her pale skin. "Such pale skin..."
"Oh my God, you're awake!"
The sudden exclamation made Kylie start. She spun around, too quickly for her shaky legs to handle, and collapsed onto the floor.
"Damn it," she hissed, hating how feeble she felt.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" The nurse rushed over to help. "Let me get you back to bed."
"I'm fine," Kylie muttered as the nurse supported her back to the bed.
"Are you hurt?" the nurse asked, her face etched with concern.
"No, I'm fine. I was just startled, that's all," Kylie replied, settling into the bed.
The nurse fussed over her. "You shouldn't push yourself too hard. You're still weak and need plenty of rest. If you need anything, just use the call bell beside your bed, and someone will come right away."
"Okay, I will," Kylie said softly.
Once the nurse left, Kylie heaved a sigh. This body is too weak. I have a lot of training to do.
"I'll get the doctor right away," the nurse had said as she left the room.
Kylie stared at the ceiling, her mind swirling with memories. Where do I even start?
Her thoughts were interrupted by muffled voices outside the door. Instincts honed from her assassin training kicked in, and she listened carefully.
"Hurry, she's not awake yet," a female voice whispered sharply.
Kylie quickly closed her eyes and stilled her breathing, pretending to be unconscious.
Cecily dragged a reluctant Caleb into the room. "This is perfect. She's still out cold," Cecily said, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Who would've thought this weak little girl would cause us so much trouble?"
"What if someone catches us?" Caleb asked nervously, glancing around the room. "I told you we should've done this at night."
"Nobody's coming," Cecily snapped. "Now stop wasting time and get on with it!"
Taking a quick look at the bed, Cecily sneered. "Go on."
Kylie's heart raced as she heard Caleb approach the IV stand. She clenched her fists under the blanket, forcing herself to remain calm.
"Inject everything. No loose ends this time," Cecily ordered.
"Okay... done," Caleb replied after a moment. His voice trembled, and his breathing was heavy with anxiety.
"Good! Let's see her survive this," Cecily said, chuckling quietly. This is my game, and I never lose.
"What if she does survive?" Caleb asked hesitantly. The memory of Kylie's cold, piercing gaze still haunted him. He just wanted this ordeal to be over.
"Don't be ridiculous—she won't," Cecily said with a sneer.
She leaned over the bed, brushing a strand of hair from Kylie's face with icy disdain. Her voice was low and venomous. "Goodbye, little nuisance."
"Can we go now?" Caleb whispered, shifting uncomfortably.
"Yes, let's go. The doctor should be calling us soon with the news," Cecily said, her tone laced with triumph.
Taking one last look at Kylie, Cecily turned sharply and left the room with Caleb trailing behind her.