_Mira’s POV_ I couldn’t sleep that night. I tossed and turned, pulling the blanket tighter around me, hoping for comfort. But the unfamiliar sounds of the mansion, the quiet echo of footsteps down the hall, and the lingering sting from the pack’s coldness wouldn’t leave me. Aaron’s kindness had warmed me, but the others… they were different. I felt like an outsider, like I didn’t belong here, no matter how much Aaron tried to reassure me. Eventually, sleep finally crept in, and my heavy eyelids closed. When I opened them again, I found myself in a small, cozy house. A warm fire crackled nearby, casting a golden glow across the room. I looked around. I felt strange. The furniture looked enormous. Everything was oversized, and as I glanced down, I realized why—I was a child. Small hands, little feet… it was like I was seeing the world through a child’s eyes. I shivered, feeling cold, and stepped closer to the fire, reaching out for its warmth. Suddenly, a voice called out, “Mira, come here! Don’t go near the fire!” I spun around, seeing a woman hurrying toward me. She had warm brown hair and the brightest blue eyes, just like the woman in the portrait I had seen earlier that day. She looked at me with such love, it made my heart ache. She scooped me up into her arms, holding me close. “Let’s have dinner, little one,” she said softly, her voice soothing. She carried me to the table, setting me down in a tall chair and wrapping a bib around my neck, tying it with a gentle touch. The cloth was soft, and it smelled faintly of lavender. She put a plate of food in front of me, her smile warm and gentle. Just then, two men entered the room. One had dark hair and deep green eyes, exactly like the man in the portrait, and the other… the other looked like Aaron. My breath caught in my chest. He looked just like him, though a bit younger. The two men were talking quietly, their voices low and serious. But the woman interrupted them with a soft laugh, waving them over. “Come, you two. Dinner is ready,” she said, her voice light. They joined us at the table and settled down. The woman picked up a small spoon, taking a bit of food and gently bringing it to my lips. I tasted it but scrunched up my nose—it was bitter and I didn’t want to eat it. “Come on, Mira,” she coaxed, her tone playful. “Open your mouth. Just a little taste.” I tried to refuse and shook my head. The man who looked like Aaron chuckled, reaching over to pat my head. “Listen to your mother,” he said with a soft smile. There was something so familiar in his voice, and it made me feel safe. Then, the peace shattered. There was a loud crash as the door flew open. Men stormed in, their faces shadowed by heavy gear and rifles slung across their chests. My heart pounded as they raised their guns. They were shouting, their voices blending into a roar. The man with green eyes leapt up, but before he could reach me, the one who looked like Aaron scooped me into his arms, pressing me close. “Hold on to me,” he whispered, his voice urgent but calm. “We’ll keep you safe.” I clung to him, burying my face in his shoulder as he carried me to another room, hiding me behind a wall. I could hear the footsteps of the intruders getting closer, and my body shook with fear. I held my breath, praying they wouldn’t find us. But the noise grew louder, and I could feel danger closing in. I squeezed my eyes shut, clutching tighter, hoping, praying… Then I woke up. My heart was pounding in my chest, and sweat beaded on my forehead. The familiar walls of my room in the mansion came into focus, and I let out a shaky breath. It was just a nightmare. But it had felt so real—so vivid. I could still feel the woman’s soft hands, still hear the man’s voice. There was a knock at my door, and I jumped, still rattled. I pulled the blanket around me, my voice weak. “Yes?” The door opened, and Aaron stood there, concern etched across his face. “Mira, are you alright? I heard a noise.” I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I… I had a nightmare,” I admitted, my voice shaky. I hated how weak it sounded, but I couldn’t hide the fear that lingered. Aaron stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. He came over to the bed, sitting down on the edge. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked softly, his eyes searching my face. I hesitated, not sure where to begin. “It was… strange. I was a child, and there was a woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She looked familiar. It was as if I knew her.” Aaron’s brows furrowed, but he stayed quiet, listening. “There was a man too,” I continued, my voice a little steadier. “He looked like you, Aaron. And… there were these men, armed. They broke in, and everything turned chaotic.” Aaron’s expression grew serious, and he took my hand, his touch warm and grounding. “I’m sorry, Mira. That sounds terrifying.” “It was,” I whispered, my throat tight. I couldn’t understand why I had dreamed it, or why it had felt so real. “But it… it felt like more than just a dream, Aaron. Like a memory I couldn’t quite reach.” Aaron’s gaze softened, and he squeezed my hand gently. “Our minds have strange ways of holding onto things we can’t understand yet,” he said, his voice comforting. “But I am here, Mira. If anything feels too heavy, lean on me.” I nodded, feeling some of the tension melt away. “Thank you, Aaron. I don’t know what I would do without you here.” “You don’t have to find out,” he said firmly, his eyes warm. “You are safe here, Mira. Whatever happened in the past—whether it was a memory or just a nightmare—it’s over now. You have a new beginning here.” I managed a small smile, comforted by his words. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling the last of the fear drain away. Aaron was right. Whatever my mind had conjured up, it was gone now. He stayed with me a little longer, talking softly about small things until my breathing steadied and I felt more at ease. Finally, when I was calm, he stood to leave. “Get some rest, Mira,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “If you need anything, I am just down the hall.” I nodded, watching as he slipped out, his presence leaving the room feeling warmer, safer. As I lay back down, I closed my eyes, holding onto the comfort Aaron had given me. The fear of the nightmare slowly faded, replaced by a cautious hope. And this time, I fell into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.