Isla, her breath steady, stepped back from the now-calm mirror. Kai, his gaze filled with concern, stepped forward. The Forgemaster nodded, her eyes filled with approval. "Now, it is your turn, Kai."
Kai hesitated. He knew the mirror would show him his own fears, his own weaknesses. He wasn't sure he was ready to face them.
He looked at Isla, her eyes filled with encouragement. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the ordeal.
He approached the mirror, its surface now a still, silver pool. As he gazed into it, the surface rippled, and his reflection began to distort.
He saw his doubts, his insecurities, his fear of failing Isla, of not being strong enough. The mirror amplified these fears, showing him visions of his failures, his weaknesses, his inability to protect those he cared about.
He felt a wave of despair wash over him, a sense of hopelessness that threatened to consume him.
He saw himself as weak, as inadequate, as a burden to Isla.
But then, he remembered the Forgemaster's words, the strength he had found in facing his fears, the love he shared with Isla.
He focused on these positive thoughts, pushing back against the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him.
He saw his courage, his loyalty, his unwavering determination to protect Isla.
He saw his strength, not in physical power, but in his unwavering love and devotion.
He focused on these strengths, and the distorted reflections began to fade, replaced by a clear, undistorted image of himself.
The mirror's surface stilled, its darkness receding, replaced by a soft, silver glow.
Kai had faced his fears, and he had emerged stronger, more confident, more determined than ever.