Beyond the glowing archway, the trio found themselves in a vast hall of mirrors. The surface of each mirror shimmered like water, reflecting not only their images but also hidden aspects of their souls.
A voice echoed softly, "To pass this trial, you must face your true selves. No illusions, no masks—only honesty."
Kael stepped forward first. As he gazed into a mirror, his reflection twisted, revealing moments of doubt and fear he'd buried deep inside. Memories of failures, of times he hesitated and let others down.
Lysara's reflection revealed a hidden loneliness beneath her calm exterior—a yearning for connection she rarely allowed herself to feel.
Riven's mirror showed the shadows of anger and guilt he carried, scars from choices he regretted.
The mirrors challenged them to accept these truths, to embrace their flaws as part of their strength.
Kael spoke quietly, "I'm not perfect. I'm scared sometimes. But I have to keep going—for all of us."
Lysara nodded, "Our weaknesses make us who we are. We cannot hide from them."
Riven's voice was steady, "Only by accepting ourselves can we stand strong against what comes next."
As they reached this understanding, the mirrors shimmered once more and dissolved, revealing the next passage.
Together, they stepped forward, ready for whatever awaited.