The mist thickened as Elena stood before her reflection, its cold tendrils wrapping around her ankles and wrists like a physical force. The doppelgänger—her own likeness but with a cruel, knowing smirk—tilted its head, its expression both familiar and alien.
“You think you can move forward without facing what lies within?” the reflection said, its voice a distorted echo of Elena’s own.
Kael stood several paces back, his sword still drawn, though he seemed unsure of how to help. “Elena,” he called, his voice steady. “If this is part of the bond’s test, don’t forget—it chose you for a reason.”
She nodded but didn’t take her eyes off the figure. Kael’s words gave her strength, but the weight of the moment bore down on her. This wasn’t a trial she could share.
“What do you want from me?” E
