The shadow path welcomed me like an old friend.
As I moved deeper, the darkness thickened, almost palpable against my skin. The runes along the walls dimmed further, responding to my presence—recognizing a kindred spirit.
I ran my fingers along the cold stone. These weren't just decorative markings; they were ancient script, older than the academy itself. My eyes adjusted easily, another benefit of my Shadow Demon physiology.
"Test of isolation," I murmured, translating one sequence. "Confront your reflection."
The path suddenly widened into a small chamber. In its center stood a mirror, its surface rippling like disturbed water. I approached cautiously, remembering all the traps I'd written into my novel—and how many details I'd left vague enough for the world to interpret on its own.
My reflection appeared normal at first—just a teenage boy with dark hair and pale skin. Then it shifted, revealing my true form: shadowy tendrils extending from my body, eyes glowing with an inner darkness.
"What are you hiding from, Arcine?" my reflection asked, its voice echoing in the chamber.
I froze. This wasn't part of my design. The mirror wasn't supposed to speak.
"I'm not hiding," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the unease crawling up my spine.
"Aren't you?" The reflection tilted its head. "You hide your nature from your classmates. You hide your knowledge from your teachers. You hide your fear from yourself."
The insignia on my hand burned hot, reminding me of Lux's watchful presence. Was this her addition to the test?
"Everyone has secrets," I said. "Even you."
My reflection smiled, revealing teeth too sharp to be human. "True. But not everyone's secrets could reshape this world."
I stepped closer to the mirror. "What do you want from me?"
"The question is what do you want, Arcine? To survive? To conquer? To atone?"
The last word struck something deep inside me. Atonement. For the world I'd created so carelessly. For the characters I'd written into suffering.
"I want to fix what I broke," I admitted, the words surprising even me.
The mirror's surface rippled violently, then stilled. My reflection returned to normal, just a boy staring back at me.
A doorway appeared in the wall behind the mirror, revealing the continuation of the path.
* * *
Avida Lux hovered in her observation chamber, a space between reality and light that allowed her to witness the examinations without being seen.
Her luminescent eyes narrowed as they fixed on the shadow demon masquerading as a student. The insignia on Arcine's hand pulsed with her attention, a direct connection that let her peer into his every movement.
"Fascinating," she whispered, her voice echoing in the empty chamber. The word tasted strange on her tongue—praising a creature of darkness went against her very nature.
Avida watched as Arcine navigated the mirror chamber, confronting his reflection. The mirror spoke truths that even she found intriguing, revealing layers to this demon that she hadn't anticipated. When Arcine admitted his desire to fix something he created, Avida's eyebrows rose slightly.
"A demon seeking redemption." Her fingers traced patterns of light in the air. "How... unexpected."
The chamber around her shifted, golden light rippling with her emotions.
Disgust bubbled beneath her composed exterior—a primal reaction to shadow magic that she'd carried since her conception. Shadow demons represented everything she stood against: deception, darkness, corruption. Yet this one moved with purpose beyond mere destruction.
Avida's hand clenched, and the insignia on Arcine's skin burned brighter for a moment. She relaxed her grip, forcing her prejudice down.
"Control yourself," she chided. "Observation requires objectivity."
The mirror test had revealed more than just Arcine's abilities—it had exposed vulnerability, conscience. Things shadow demons weren't supposed to possess. Avida leaned forward, her white hair cascading around her like a waterfall of light.
"What are you really after, little shadow?" Her eyes shifted from gold to silver as she intensified her focus.
'And why do I find myself caring about the answer?'
* * *
I stepped through the doorway, leaving the mirror chamber behind.
The passage twisted and narrowed, darkness embracing me like an old friend. My shadow pulsed around me, responding to my unease.
The corridor opened into a vast circular chamber. Dozens of other students had already arrived, their faces a mix of relief and exhaustion.
Some bore scratches and minor injuries from whatever trials their paths had presented.
"Congratulations on completing the second phase." Professor Brhaisse's voice echoed through the chamber.
She stood on a raised platform at the center, her silver hair gleaming under the magical lights. "You've demonstrated your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Now comes the true test."
My eyes scanned the crowd, spotting Kael's silver hair and confident posture. He caught my gaze and nodded slightly. I looked away, uncomfortable with the recognition.
The insignia on my hand tingled, reminding me of Lux's watchful presence.
"The final challenge will test your combat capabilities," Brhaisse continued. "You will be paired against opponents of similar skill levels. Victory isn't necessary for passing—what matters is how you fight."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. I tensed.
Combat was my weakest area, despite my shadow abilities. I'd written countless battle scenes in my novel, but experiencing one firsthand was entirely different.
Magical screens appeared around the chamber, displaying student pairings. I searched for my name, my heart sinking when I found it.
Arcine d'Vyde vs. Vex Nighvalle.
"Ah…"
Of all the possible opponents, I had to face the assassin prodigy. The girl whose backstory and abilities I'd crafted with particular care.
I knew her fighting style intimately—but that knowledge cut both ways in this altered timeline.
Vex caught my eye from across the chamber, her lips curving into a predatory smile. She twirled a slender dagger between her fingers, the blade catching the light.
"Looks like we'll be dancing after all, shadow boy," she called, her voice carrying despite the chamber's size.
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Lux's gaze through her insignia.
"…I'm not going to have fun, aren't I?"