Being trapped in the mirror world was like being a ghost. Vesper could see everything, but she couldn't touch anything. She couldn't smell the flowers or taste the food. She could only watch inside the mirror.
She learned to move through the house. She lived in the mirror, the windows, the silverware, and the crystal chandeliers. She watched the Reflection steal her life and all she can do is watch.
And the worst part was, the Reflection was good at being her, even better than her.
The Reflection took control of the family business, the family business grew. She fired the people who were stealing money. She wore beautiful clothes that Vesper was always too shy to wear. She was bold and walked with her head high.
But the hardest thing to watch was her crush Kieran.
Kieran was the captain of the guards. Vesper had loved him for years. She kept a picture of him in her diary. But in real life, she could barely say "hello" to him without blushing and running away.
The Reflection had no problem talking to Kieran.
One evening, Vesper watched from a wine glass on the table. The Reflection and Kieran were sitting by the fire.
"You seem different lately, My Lady," Kieran said. He was looking at her with a confused look. "You used to be so quiet. Now you run this castle like a general."
"People change, Kieran," the Reflection said. She smiled that perfect, sharp smile. "Are you complaining?"
"No," Kieran said. "Just... surprised."
The Reflection stood up and walked over to him. She moved smoothly, like a cat. She sat on the arm of his chair. Vesper wanted to scream. Get away from him! He is mine!
"Maybe I just decided to go after what I want," the Reflection whispered.
She leaned in and kissed him.
Vesper felt like her heart was breaking into pieces, even though she didn't have a real heart anymore. Kieran hesitated for a second, but then he kissed her back. He kissed her with passion.
Vesper slid down the side of the wine glass. She felt small and useless. Kieran liked this new Vesper. He liked how confident she is. He liked the strength.
He loves her, Vesper thought. He loves the fake version of me. He never loved the real me because the real me was boring and weak.
Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months. The Reflection and Kieran were together all the time. They went riding, they danced at parties, they went on dates, they held hands. Vesper watched it all. She became just a smudge on the glass, a shadow that no one noticed.
But Vesper started to notice something. The Reflection was perfect. Too perfect.
She never tripped. She never stuttered. She never forgot a name. She never got food stuck in her teeth. She was like a machine.
And Vesper wondered if Kieran would notice, too. A Reflection can copy a face, but it cannot copy a soul.