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"Not all darkness comes from outside. Sometimes, it's born inside those who love."
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🌧️ Introduction: The Mission at Lake Vharûn
After the emotional trial in the Mirror of Veritas, Cael and Ezren are summoned by Master Asgor Vayn.
— "There's something in Lake Vharûn. It's not a monster. It's… a hunger."
— "An ancient shadow that whispers desires, reflects secrets, and… breaks those who get too close."
Ezren furrows his brow.
— "Were there any survivors?"
— "Three. One tore out his own eyes. Another sings to the dead trees. The last… vanished into her own shadow."
The air turns heavy. The mission is clear: discover, resist, survive.
🏞️ Arrival at the Village of Tharvul
The village beside Lake Vharûn is shrouded in constant fog. Villagers lock themselves indoors after sunset and cover their mirrors with black cloth.
An old woman, her gaze vacant, whispers to the mages:
— "He's in the reflection."
— "He shows us what we want… then takes what we hold most fragile."
Ezren and Cael both sense it — a presence in the air. Invisible… yet intimate. And starving.
🏚️ The Survivor's House
Seeking answers, they visit Tarnel, one of the few who escaped the lake with his mind (mostly) intact.
His house is protected by ancient runes — symbols of emotional containment.
Ezren recognizes them. Cael simply feels… and understands.
Tarnel murmurs:
— "He showed me… what I never said."
— "He loved me. And I… never had the courage.
Now he calls to me… with his voice… every night..."
Ezren looks away. Cael remains silent, watching.
— "This is emotional suggestion magic," Ezren states.
— "Or… amplified truth," Cael counters.
🌑 Terror by the Water
In the still of night, Ezren walks out alone.
Drawn by something he doesn't understand — or refuses to.
At the lake's edge, the water is still, glasslike.
But his reflection doesn't show himself.
It shows Cael. Sleeping. Vulnerable. Shivering.
The lake whispers:
— "Do you want to protect him…
— Or touch him?"
Ezren recoils. His light sigil glows — but fails.
From the water, the shadow rises.
A tall entity made of cracked mirrors, with a twisted glass smile and Ezren's own eyes.
— "You desire, but you fear. That's why… you'll be the first to break."
Ezren tries to fight back. Fails.
He's dragged into the lake.
💥 Rescue: Cael vs. the Shadow
The alarm sigil burns on Cael's arm.
Without hesitation, he rushes to the lake and dives in, invoking a forbidden spell:
"Umbra Vitae" — breathing in the absence of light.
In the depths, he finds Ezren trapped inside a dome of mirrors, reliving memories:
stolen glances, touches never made, desires denied.
The shadow whispers in Ezren's ear:
— "He sees you as pain. As weakness."
— "As everything he never wanted to be."
Cael draws close. Whispers back:
— "Maybe.
— But he's the only pain I'd accept again. Without regret."
His hand pierces the veil. Finds Ezren's.
The fusion happens. Light and darkness don't destroy — they liberate.
🌅 Post-Battle: A Moment
They surface, gasping. Ezren falls to his knees, exhausted.
Cael catches him. Their hands touch.
The silence, once uncomfortable… is now intimate. Warm. Alive.
— "You… came for me," Ezren says, voice low.
— "I always would," Cael replies, without hesitation.
Ezren intertwines their fingers. Slowly.
He says nothing. He doesn't have to.
But before the moment can bloom...
Master Asgor appears in silence, standing atop the hill.
— "You two… are feeling something."
— "That can be… power."
— "Or ruin."