Ardan stepped into the room, his dark cloak billowing as if a shadow clung to his every move. The group exchanged wary glances before reluctantly closing the door behind him. His presence exuded an aura of mystery and power, and every instinct screamed caution.
“Before you jump to conclusions,” Ardan began, “know that I am neither your enemy nor your ally. I’m merely a messenger, here to reveal truths that have been hidden for centuries.”
Anna crossed her arms. “What kind of truths?”
Ardan’s piercing gaze landed on her. “About the Reflection Game. Its origins, its purpose, and why you—specifically you—were chosen to play it.”
Ryan frowned. “We didn’t choose to play. It dragged us in.”
“Did it?” Ardan countered with a raised brow. “Or were you drawn to it, compelled by forces you don’t yet understand?”
The group fell silent, the weight of his words unsettling.
“The Reflection Game,” Ardan continued, “was not created by mortals. It was forged by the Seven Immortals during t
