Chapter 13 – Shadows in the Glass
537 Words
POV: Lucian Mareis
Lucian stared at his reflection in the dorm bathroom mirror, the fluorescent light buzzing faintly above his head. The face staring back at him was his own—or at least, it should have been. But every day, every glance, the cracks grew deeper.
He could still remember the moment of impact—the screech of tires, the shattering of glass, the weightless plunge into darkness. And then… waking up here. Breathing in a body that wasn’t meant to hold him. A body that carried memories that weren’t his.
He pressed his palms against the sink, trying to steady the tremor in his fingers. He shouldn’t be alive. And yet he was, wearing his friend’s skin like a mask.
A knock startled him.
“Lucian?” Nareth’s voice carried through the door.
Lucian swallowed hard, forcing his expression into something steady before opening it. Nareth stood there, hair damp from practice, sweat clinging to the line of his jaw. His eyes—always too sharp, too knowing—searched him instantly.
“You’re pale,” Nareth said quietly. “Did you push yourself too hard?”
Lucian almost laughed. If only that was the problem.
“I’m fine,” he lied, brushing past him. “Just tired.”
But Nareth caught his wrist, firm but not forceful. The touch sent a strange jolt through him—too warm, too grounding. Lucian froze, unable to look at him.
“Don’t shut me out,” Nareth murmured. His voice was low, meant only for him. “Something’s wrong. I can see it.”
Lucian bit down on the truth burning in his throat. How could he explain? How could he tell his best friend that the person standing here wasn’t the Lucian he thought he knew?
So he did the only thing he could. He pulled his hand free.
“You’re imagining things,” he said. “I just need rest.”
The look in Nareth’s eyes cut deeper than any blade. A mix of hurt and suspicion. And for a fleeting second, Lucian wished Nareth would push harder, tear the lie from his lips. Because carrying this secret alone was starting to crush him.
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POV: Nareth Sol
Nareth stood rooted in the hallway, staring after Lucian’s retreating back. Every instinct screamed that something was off. It wasn’t just the accident, wasn’t just recovery. This was deeper—like the friend he knew had been replaced by a stranger wearing his smile.
And yet, when Lucian had looked at him just now, for a heartbeat he’d seen something raw. Something that made his chest ache.
If only you’d let me in, Nareth thought.
His phone buzzed. A new message. He glanced down.
From Daelen.
> You busy? Need a word.
Nareth’s frown deepened. Daelen never asked for “words.” He demanded, teased, or dragged people into his orbit. If he was reaching out like this, it meant something was brewing.
Nareth’s gaze drifted back to the door Lucian had disappeared behind. His heart warred between staying, pressing further… or chasing down Daelen before he did something reckless.
Either way, shadows were gathering. And Nareth knew they were all about to be pulled into them.
- Writer
