A mirror hung in the flesh

I didn't sleep. Again.

Sleep had become a liability. Dreams weren't mine anymore—if they ever were.

When I did close my eyes, I didn't see the Academy, or Sūyara, or even the ruined clocktower where I once watched the sunset after beating Sword of Radiance's final boss. No. I saw a reflection.

A mirror that breathed.

It didn't reflect Lucian.

It didn't reflect Allen.

It reflected something in-between. Something… unfinished.

That morning, I found myself in front of Headmaster Evercrest's office before I even realized I'd walked here.

The doors were already open.

I shouldn't have been surprised. Evercrest had a way of knowing things before they happened. Whether it was divination, some absurd domain over fate, or sheer arrogance backed by power, I couldn't say.

He stood behind his desk, spine straight, hands folded behind his back. Regal. Tired. His coat, trimmed in gold runes, shimmered faintly.

He looked at me.