Chapter 29 · Mirror Image

"Look at yourself, Elara. Really look."

Kane’s voice was a low vibration against my ear. His chest crushed into my back, pinning me. He didn't just hold my wrists—he shoved them forward, slamming them against the cold vanity mirror.

I gasped. The glass was freezing, but the reflection made my heart stop.

My eyes. They weren't brown.

Gold. Pure, predatory gold with a jagged ring of violet swirling around the iris. It was his gaze. His curse. I looked like a monster. Or worse—I looked like him.

"What did you do to me?" I spat, wrenching my arms. "What is this?"

"I didn't do anything," Kane murmured. His breath was hot on my neck. He leaned closer, locking eyes with me in the glass. "The bond is doing this. It’s not just calming me anymore. It’s mirroring. You’re becoming the very thing you’re terrified of."

"I'm not becoming you!" I screamed, twisting my body.

*Clap. Clap. Clap.*

Slow, mocking applause echoed from the balcony above. I froze. I didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Oh, she’s definitely becoming him," Silas drawled. He was leaning over the railing, a poisonous grin plastered on his face.