✓ | The Borrowed Identity (Fate's Transgression Series, #4)

TBI 03: Beneath

"Are you insane, Lutch?!" The voice of a man pierced through the fog of my consciousness, jolting me back into wakefulness. The tone was laced with disbelief and frustration, carrying the weight of concern for my well-being. I strained to make sense of the surroundings, my vision still blurred, as I struggled to recognize the faces accompanying the voices. Their expressions remained elusive, lost in the haze of my mind.

"She's having a nightmare, what do you think we should do?!" Another voice chimed in, filled with urgency and a touch of exasperation. It was clear that my distress had stirred their own unease, compelling them to seek a solution. The words were tinged with a sense of helplessness, a plea for guidance in a situation they were unsure how to navigate.

"Gisingin siya, hindi basain!" A voice interjected, laden with frustration and a touch of sarcasm. There was a hint of impatience in the words, as if urging for swift action and a more effective approach. The speaker's tone reflected a desire to provide assistance but also a hint of annoyance at the mishandling of the situation.

"Alright, alright, I was panicking," a calming voice broke through the tension. "Admiral, check her. Did I drown her?"

Admiral's voice, now mocking, replied, "You nutheaded, malulunod ba siya sa tubig na dinala mo?" I felt a gentle but firm grip on my shoulder, the touch sending a comforting pulse through my body.

"Come on, wake up," Admiral's voice was filled with gentle urgency as he continued to shake me lightly.

"Is she responding?" the voice of concern asked, the worry palpable.

"Not yet, but give her a moment," Admiral responded, his tone tinged with reassurance.

I blinked, my eyes struggling to focus on the faces before me. Gradually, the figures started to come into view, their expressions shifting from worry to relief as they saw signs of my consciousness returning.

"There she is!" the voice of relief exclaimed. "Welcome back!"

"Wh-What happened?" I managed to stutter, still disoriented from the remnants of the nightmare. "Wh-who are you?"

"You had a bad dream, but you're awake now," the calming voice reassured me. "But, you don't remember where we met?"

I blinked, my gaze shifting from one face to another, still grappling with the remnants of confusion and disorientation. The concern in their eyes was evident as they patiently waited for my response, their expressions a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

"No, I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice trembling slightly. I slowly rose from the bed and moved my back towards the head board. "I... I don't remember." The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with a sense of realization. Their expressions turned somber, intermingled with a glimmer of confusion.

Lumapit ang lalaki na nasa aking kanan sa kasama niyang nasa kaliwa at may hawak na timba. He whispered something to him, his voice hushed and filled with an air of secrecy. I strained my ears, desperately trying to decipher the mumbled words that escaped their conversation. It was as if they were speaking a language foreign to my ears, a code hidden in plain sight.

Their exchange carried an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but feel a pang of unease, wondering what they were discussing, what secrets were being shared at that moment. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with anticipation, as if the weight of their words held the key to unlocking a hidden truth.

I mustered the courage to speak up, my voice trembling slightly. "Anong pinag-uusapan niyo?" I asked, my eyes darting between them, searching for any clues.

The man on my right glanced at his companion, his face contorted with a mix of concern and hesitation. It was clear that whatever was said held significance, perhaps even danger. After a brief pause, he turned his gaze towards me, his eyes filled with determination. "To be honest, young lady. Hindi namin alam kung ano ang aming sasabihin o kung ano ang gusto mong malaman. We don't know you either, and we are shocked just like you."