VALERIE
The mirror whispered again.
At first, I thought it was just the wind slipping beneath the old stones. But no—these whispers curled with intent. They carried words. “You were never truly loved. Only wanted.” I stared into the glass, heart thudding. My reflection shimmered, distorting as if underwater. It wasn’t me anymore not quite. Her eyes gleamed with silver. Her lips curled in a knowing smile. Around her shoulders, darkness flowed like a living cloak. She looked regal… powerful and she spoke again. “They crave what you give. But not who you are.” My chest tightened. I reached out and touched the cool glass. “Who are you?” I whispered, the voice inside me answered. “I am who you could become… if you stopped bleeding for everyone else.”
The training field was too quiet. Jason c
