Chapter 217: The Dark Mirror

Emily, Mara, and Calem walked through the ancient city's silent streets, the ruins stretching endlessly in all directions. Shadows clung to every surface, deepening as the last light of day slipped away. The city felt alive, as though watching them, waiting for something. Emily felt the relic's presence within her, a steady pulse like a heartbeat, guiding her forward.

The Keeper's words echoed in her mind: The relic will test you, challenge every part of who you are. She'd thought it meant something internal, a trial of will. But as they turned a corner into an open square, she saw what it truly meant.

Standing in the center of the square was a mirror—a large, ancient structure with an intricate silver frame. Its surface was dark, reflecting nothing but a deep, endless void. Emily felt an intense pull toward it, a force stronger than any she'd felt before.

Mara eyed it warily. "That thing gives me the creeps."