The nursery was bathed in soft morning sunlight, the scattered toys and blocks reminding me of how absurd life had become—here I was, twenty-three years old in mind, trapped in a baby's body, about to wear a bracelet meant to control my powers.
Lilian knelt in front of me, holding a delicate bracelet engraved with faint runes. Her expression was calm, but I could sense the tension beneath it. She had always been careful, protective… and now, I understood why.
"This is a special bracelet, my lady," she said gently. "It won't hurt you. But it will help you control your abilities, at least until you're older and can manage them fully."
I blinked rapidly, processing the implications. Control my abilities? Hide them? Lilian… you're treating me like a ticking time bomb.
Nolan bounced nearby, completely unaware of the stakes. "Can I help, Ariya? I'll be very careful!"
I gave a small, wry smile. You, of all people, are blissfully ignorant. Lucky for you, little brother.
Lilian ignored my thoughts, continuing seriously. "You have powers, Ariya—powers far beyond what a child should have. If anyone notices too early, it could put your life at risk. The bracelet will dampen your abilities, keep them hidden until you are three years old, when your mind and understanding will allow proper control."
I blinked again, feeling a mixture of irritation and agreement. Three years…? That's three years of being restricted in a body that can't fight or even speak properly. But yes… it's a necessary precaution.
Lilian reached out and carefully clasped the bracelet around my tiny wrist. The moment it touched my skin, I felt it—a subtle pull, like a gentle leash on my power. My hands twitched, eager to test it, but the bracelet absorbed the strain, keeping my abilities contained.
Good, I thought. I can't afford to let anyone know yet. Not the Duke, not the servants… no one. One slip, and someone could see—and make me a target. I can't allow that.
I flexed my tiny fingers experimentally, testing the blocks and toys in front of me. Normally, they would respond immediately to my will, but now they stayed still, restrained by the bracelet. I blinked rapidly, a small smirk forming despite my frustration. Patience, Ariya. Control first. Survive first.
Nolan leaned close, eyes sparkling. "She's amazing! Look, Ariya!"
I blinked at him, amused. You have no idea what "amazing" really means… but your excitement is tolerable.
From the doorway, the Duke observed silently. His piercing blue eyes followed every move—the subtle pull of my power against the bracelet, my deliberate concentration, the calm, calculating way I adapted.
The bracelet will hold her… for now, he thought. But she will grow. And when she does… the world won't know what's coming.
Lilian's voice broke through my thoughts. "Your Grace, I will ensure she is trained carefully. The bracelet protects her, but she must also learn discipline. When she is ready, her abilities will be entirely under her control."
I blinked rapidly, thinking to myself. Discipline… control… survival. Everything I learned in my past life applies here. And now, in this fragile body, I have to be even more cautious.
Wait… Your Grace!?
He had been there the whole time? That meant he knew about my powers. And he hadn't tried to use me? Did he not care—or… whatever. I wasn't going to waste my time speculating.
I flexed my tiny fingers again, feeling the restrained potential, my mind racing ahead. I'll use this time wisely. I'll learn everything I can, keep my abilities hidden, and when the time comes… I'll make sure no one can ever threaten me again.
The bracelet was a constraint, yes—but also a tool. And for the first time in this strange, twisted new life, I felt a faint thrill of control.
Let them watch. Let them think I'm just a baby. I blinked. They have no idea what I'm capable of.
Somewhere in the shadows, the Duke's gaze lingered, calculating and cautious. The child in the chair was anything but ordinary—and her mind, though trapped in a baby's body, already saw far beyond anyone else in the room.