Chapter 27
Elena followed Lucian deeper into the chamber, the crimson mist swirling higher around them. Every step echoed strangely, as if the hall itself were speaking in muted tones, guiding—or warning—them. Ahead, a silver-framed mirror rested against a stone pedestal, untouched by dust or age. Its surface rippled faintly, like water disturbed by a breeze.
"This is the Mirror of Truth," Lucian whispered. "It doesn't lie. It reflects what the hall believes to be your deepest truth—your fears, desires, and the bond between you."
Elena's stomach tightened. "My deepest truth?" she asked nervously. "What if I don't like what it shows?"
Lucian's gaze softened. "Then you control it. The hall may guide you, but it cannot force your mind. Trust yourself… and me."
She swallowed and stepped closer. The mirror's surface shimmered as she approached, fogging slightly, then clearing. Elena caught her reflection—but it wasn't just her face staring back. Her reflection wore a faint, silver glow around the mark on her chest, and behind her, another shadow appeared: Lucian, watching silently, his hand extended as if offering comfort.
The image shifted. The hall twisted the reflection—her fears projected. Shadows crawled over her reflection, fingers clawing at her, whispering failures, doubts, and regrets. Her reflection trembled, the mark flickering weakly.
"Elena," Lucian said urgently, "don't let it control your perception. Focus on the bond, not the fear. Show the hall what you choose to be true."
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Images of Kade, of the hall, of her isolation—all surged—but she concentrated on Lucian, on their bond, on the warmth of the mark beneath her collarbone. Slowly, the silver glow returned, spreading outward like light through darkness.
When she opened her eyes, the mirror reflected her true self: confident, determined, and unbroken. Lucian's hand reached hers in the reflection, and the shadows recoiled, dissolving into the crimson mist.
The hall's whispers softened, almost approving.
Elena exhaled, trembling with relief and exhaustion. "I… I did it?"
Lucian stepped forward, his silver eyes soft but vigilant. "You did. But the hall will keep testing us. This was only a small reflection of its power. Kade will try to exploit every weakness he can find—every fear, every desire."
Her gaze returned to the mirror. A faint image flickered behind her reflection: Kade, grinning cruelly, watching, waiting.
"I'm not afraid," she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else. "Not anymore."
Lucian's hand found hers. "Good. Because the Mirror only reveals what's already inside you. Your strength, your fear… your bond with me. Remember that. And use it."
Elena nodded, determination settling deep in her chest. "Then let the hall show us everything. We're ready."
The mirror rippled again, faintly acknowledging their resolve, as the crimson mist swirled higher. Somewhere deep within the Hidden Heart, Kade's laughter echoed—but Elena knew that no illusion, no shadow, could break the bond she shared with Lucian.
And the trials had only just begun.
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