𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐧

Chapter 17: Into The Fracture

The forest bent around them as Mira, Cael, and Thistle followed a trail only half-seen—broken light, fading footprints, and the scent of storm-charged air. The path led them beyond Elderglen’s known borders into a realm Cael called The Fracture.

“This place was never meant to be walked,” he said as they crossed through a grove where the trees whispered secrets in languages Mira couldn’t understand.

“What is it?” Mira asked.

“A place caught between reflection and reality. A wound in the world.”

Here, time twisted. Mira glimpsed herself walking ahead—only for the image to flicker and vanish. Thistle’s fur bristled constantly, his eyes darting to things Mira couldn’t see.

They passed broken statues with Mira’s face. One laughed when they stepped too close.

At the Fracture’s heart stood a mirror. Unlike the one she had shattered, this one was jagged, its surface rippling like water. It was cracked—but alive. And in its surface, the Mirrorborn waited.

Five of them. Each different, yet all her.

Wrath, cloaked in flame and ash, eyes burning with endless fury.

Fear, cloaked in grey mist, hands trembling, eyes wide.

Pride, draped in gold and thorns, smiling like a queen.

Grief, pale and silent, surrounded by fading petals.

Silence, the fifth, stood furthest from the others—her mouth sewn shut, her presence more felt than seen.

“You came,” Pride said. “We’ve waited.”