The night came faster than expected.
The manor's halls glowed faintly under silver moonlight, the air heavy with the scent of roses that refused to die, even after sunset. Yumi sat on the edge of the massive bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror.
Her wrist was still bandaged where Ren had kissed it.
That thought alone made her pulse quicken.
"Why do I keep thinking about that?" she muttered, tugging at her collar. "It's just a stupid dream. It has to be a dream."
But dreams didn't leave bandages.
Dreams didn't hurt.
And dreams didn't make your heart race when someone whispered your name.
She stood, pacing the room. "Okay, Yumi. Calm down. You're in some fantasy world, turned into a hot guy, surrounded by dangerous men who look like they came straight from your game. What's the worst that could happen?"
As if on cue, the candles flickered.
Her reflection in the mirror rippled—just slightly—but enough for her to notice. She froze, leaning closer.
"...Hello?"
The reflection smiled.
She didn't.
Her breath caught. Slowly, the other her raised its hand—mirroring her movements at first—then stopped. The reflection's fingers pressed against the glass, and its smile widened, cold and knowing.
"You're not supposed to be here," it whispered.
Yumi stumbled back, her hand hitting the nightstand and knocking over a goblet. "What—?! Who are you?!"
The reflection tilted its head. "I am what you wished for. A life not yours to live."
Then the mirror cracked.
The sound echoed through the room, sharp and final.
Before she could move, the door burst open. Eliott rushed in, sword drawn, eyes wide. "My Lord! I heard something—are you hurt?"
Yumi stared at the mirror, now whole again. The reflection was normal. Just her.
Her voice shook slightly. "I—I thought I saw something."
Eliott looked around, his worry painted across his face. "This place is strange at night. Please, don't wander alone. If anything ever scares you… call me."
He sheathed his sword, smiling softly. "I'll protect you, no matter what."
That earnest look made her heart soften.
"Eliott…" she murmured. "You're too good for this world."
He blinked. "Eh?"
Before she could explain, a shadow crossed the doorway.
Ren leaned against the frame, his golden eyes glinting in the dim light. "A knight sneaking into his Lord's room at night? How bold."
Eliott immediately stiffened, his face flushing. "P-Prince Ren! It's not—"
Ren's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Relax. I'm not accusing you… yet." His gaze shifted to Yumi. "You look pale. Did something happen?"
"I—uh, no," Yumi said quickly, hiding her trembling hands. "Just… a weird dream."
Ren's eyes lingered on her for a moment too long, as if he could see right through her lie. "Dreams are dangerous here. Sometimes, they remember you."
Her heart skipped. "What does that even mean?"
But he only smiled faintly. "You'll understand soon."
Before she could question him, the air shimmered again—soft at first, then sharp as cold glass.
A voice drifted from behind them. "Oh, you're all gathered here. How cozy."
Alaric stepped out of the shadows, his silver hair gleaming, his mismatched eyes bright with mischief.
"Did I interrupt a secret meeting?" he asked lightly.
Ren sighed. "You're always interrupting something."
Alaric ignored him, his gaze locking onto Yumi. "The mirror spoke, didn't it?"
Yumi froze. "…How do you know that?"
His grin widened. "Because it only speaks to those who don't belong."
The room grew colder. Eliott instinctively stepped in front of Yumi, his small frame tense. "What are you saying?"
Alaric's voice softened, almost pitying. "That our dear Lord isn't from this world. Isn't that right, little dreamer?"
Ren's gaze darkened. "Enough, Alaric."
But Alaric only chuckled. "Oh, don't glare at me, Prince. I'm simply telling the truth." His mismatched eyes gleamed. "The world has started to notice the mistake."
Then, with a slow bow and a whisper that lingered too long, he vanished.
Eliott turned to Yumi, panicked. "My Lord, what did he mean?"
Yumi swallowed hard. "I… don't know."
But deep down, she did.
Because in the shattered reflection of her dream, she had seen it—
A shadowed version of herself smiling through the cracks.
And it whispered again, even though the mirror was whole—
"You wanted this life, didn't you? Then live it… before it takes you instead."
---