Eric slowly regained consciousness.
There was no one beside him. As his blurry vision adjusted, he glanced around and realized that his frail body was being kept alive with the help of machines.
He tried to sit up, but the body refused to obey—too weak to follow his command. After several failed attempts, he finally managed to stand, only to collapse after taking just two steps.
The noise drew the attention of a woman nearby. She peeked into the room, saw Eric lying on the floor, and screamed. Instead of helping, she ran out in panic.
Moments later, a man rushed in and quickly helped Eric back onto the bed.
As Eric looked up and saw the man's face clearly, he froze in shock."Aiden…?"
The teenage boy who once followed him around had grown into a handsome young man.
"Young master… you remember me?" Aiden asked, wiping away his tears.
"Of course, silly. Why wouldn't I? But… where is everyone? And where are we? This doesn't look like a hospital or my room."
