That night, Velmira changed again.
Walking home, umbrella in hand, Elia watched the puddles on the ground twist and stretch like mirrors. But they weren't reflecting the city she walked through.
In the puddles, she saw towers that didn't exist. Lanterns floating in air. Streets paved in gold-lit stone. A second Velmira, sleeping just beneath the one everyone knew.
She crouched by the curb and touched the surface.
A ripple. Then a pulse.
And for a split second, she fell.
Not physically, but inward, downward—into that other city. She stood there. Smelled cinnamon and ozone. Heard music made from water.
Then a voice behind her said:
"You're early."
She spun.
The man in the green coat was waiting.
"Welcome back," he said.