The glowing runes on the altar pulsed, casting long shadows that danced like specters across the twisted roots of the forest. Rose tightened her grip on the satchel at her side, every nerve alert. Basil stood beside her, dagger gleaming, eyes locked on the Keeper's every movement.
"You must prove your worth," the Keeper intoned, voice echoing like a chilling wind through the trees. "Only those who face their own reflections—and fears—may pass."
Rose glanced sideways at Basil, a flicker of uncertainty in her usually defiant eyes. "Great. More mind games."
The Keeper's hands rose, and suddenly, the air shimmered. The trees around them blurred, then shifted, revealing mirror images of the two—perfect doubles, but with one chilling difference. Their reflections' eyes glowed crimson, and their smiles were cruel, twisted.
"Your shadows," Basil muttered. "Reflections of your darker selves."
The mirror Rose faced mirrored her stance, but the reflection's lightning crackled with a furious intensity. Basil's double raised its dagger with fluid menace, eyes burning with hatred.
"We fight ourselves," Rose said quietly. "The real battle is within."
The mirrored Rose lunged, a torrent of lightning slicing through the shadowy clearing. Rose countered, drawing on every ounce of control she had mastered. The duel wasn't just physical—it was a battle of wills, a clash of fears and doubts.
Her reflection taunted, echoing every insecurity she'd tried to bury: You're reckless. You're a danger to those around you. You'll never be trusted.
Rose's jaw tightened. "I'm more than my mistakes."
With a surge, she unleashed a controlled blast that shattered her reflection into shimmering shards of light. The air hummed with relief.
Beside her, Basil grappled with his double, parrying furious strikes that tested his skill and resolve. His own reflection hissed accusations of weakness and failure—the weight of family legacy and the fear of never living up to it.
"I'm not my father's shadow," Basil growled, driving his dagger through his double's chest, which dissolved into smoke.
The Keeper's eyes gleamed as she stepped forward. "You have passed the Trial of the Mirrorwood."
The mirror forest began to dissolve around them, trees and shadows fading like mist at dawn. Rose and Basil found themselves back in Belladoma's tower, breathless but victorious.
On the floor, Belladoma stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
"About time you showed up," she croaked, managing a weak smile.
Rose smiled back, relief flooding her. "We wouldn't leave you behind."
Basil sheathed his dagger, glancing at Rose with a rare softness. "Looks like we make a pretty good team after all."
Rose's heart skipped—whether from danger passed or something else, she couldn't tell.
Outside the window, the first rays of dawn painted the sky with promise.
The real adventure was just beginning.