Luca's eyes snapped open.
The first thing he saw was darkness — not the comforting kind, but the heavy, suffocating sort that seemed to cling to his skin. The only light came from his computer screen, its cold glow spilling across the cluttered desk and dusty corners of his small, familiar room.
His breath hitched. No… this… this can't be…
The hum of the computer fan filled the silence, oddly loud in the stillness. The game's end credits scrolled lazily, the bold words You Got a Bad Ending glaring back at him like an accusation.
His lips trembled as he whispered, "Was that… all a dream? Was I never transported?"
He shoved the blanket aside and stumbled to his feet, bare toes curling against the familiar worn carpet. Sweat gathered on his forehead, trickling down his temple. His breathing grew rapid as he crossed the room, each step feeling heavier than the last.
The mirror stood there — tall, unyielding.
And staring back at him… wasn't Luca.
It was him.
Kian. His real face.
