Ethan fell.


    Not down, not up—just… through.


    It felt like floating in a dream, where the edges of the world were too soft to grasp. Light spun around him in threads of gold and violet, weaving images and whispers that brushed past his ears.


    He landed gently, feet touching solid ground that rippled like water. The mirror realm was unlike anything he’d imagined. Skies of swirling light. Floating islands drifting past. A sun and moon that danced together in a slow, silent waltz.


    The Atlas floated beside him, its cover glowing faintly.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    “You are within the realm of memory,” a voice said.


    Ethan turned.


    A figure stood in the distance—a girl with silver hair, cloaked in stars. Her eyes held galaxies.


    “You’ve entered the Echoverse,” she continued. “Here, truth is a reflection of belief.”


    Ethan blinked. “What does that mean?”


    She smiled. “That depends on what you believe.”


    She pointed to the Atlas, which opened to a blank page. Ink spilled across it on its own, forming a question:


    Who are you, Ethan?


    The air tensed. Ethan suddenly felt weightless and heavy all at once. The question echoed inside him, louder than any whisper.


    Who are you?


    The realm shimmered.


    Images appeared around him—versions of himself. One in a library tower, surrounded by scrolls. One sailing across a skyship. One wearing armor, standing atop a battlefield. Each stared back at him.


    He staggered, heart racing.


    Was this who he could become?


    Or who he was meant to be?


    The girl reached out, placing her hand gently on his shoulder.


    “To move forward, choose your reflection. Only then will the mirror release you.”


    Ethan stared at the versions of himself, then closed his eyes.


    “I choose… the one who fights for truth.”


    The air burst with light.


    The mirror realm cracked—just a little—and Ethan was pulled upward again.