The reflection nods once. "The Oasis of Reflection isn't a battlefield—it's a mirror. You'll find your answers there, not here."
Then, without another word, it steps backward into the pavilion. Its form passes through the white stone pillars like mist dissolving into sunlight. The structure glows faintly, runes awakening along its surface, and the water beneath it ripples outward in perfect circles.
Alix watches the glow fade, his expression unreadable. "Inside the reflection, huh?"
He glances down at the water beneath him. The reflection of the pavilion remains, faintly distorted—but this time, he can see the faint outline of a door beneath the mirrored surface, glowing like a heartbeat under glass.
Alix steps forward—once, then again—until he stands directly over it. The air hums faintly around him, charged with restrained power. His voice is low, almost amused as he murmurs, "Then entertain me."
Then he steps down—into his own reflection.
