Chapter 3 A talking mirror

I appeared in a big and well lit room which had silver curtains, and two beds. The floor had criss crossed silver designs, with some repeating circular patterns.

Its walls were painted with blue and silver colours, and it had a sharp and attractive contrasting light which made the room look more colourful.

My gaze swept around the whole room in fascination, as I couldn't realize the source of such warm lightning.

I eventually noticed the brown wooden table by the corner, which had a bowl full of tasty snacks upon it.

My stomach growled. I was hungry, and craved for some snacks, so picking at least one biscuit won't hurt.

"Stop it Daryn!", I whispered to myself.

I can't trust the school yet, after all they kidnapped me and dozens of others whose families would probably be worried about.

I paced around the room until I got to another door. 'This should be the bathroom', I thought.

My gaze met with the silver wardrobe which stood opposite the second bed. I was probably not going to touch anything in the room, until the 'academy' gained my trust.

I turned again and walked towards the gigantic mirror that hung on the wall, adjacent to the first bed.

I sighed while staring at my yet boring reflection. It was the same old reflection as always, yet they called the school 'magical'.

I scoffed.

Trying to look better, I adjusted one of the stray curls from my long black hair.

"I'm still wearing a bathrobe". I sighed again.

Suddenly, my reflection transformed into what seemed to be another version of me.

This new reflection was dressed in a long black royal robe. It had bright white shining eyes, and radiated some kind of visible energy, judging by its brightly glowing body as well.

With an open jaw, I marvelled at such glorious reflection. I admired the power, its perfect hairstyle, neatly cut beards and perfectly shaped handsome face.

"Huh?"

I looked closer into the mirror.

A voice was heard speaking out of nowhere:

"Our reflection is nothing but an illusion...it's an image of ourselves we always want to see".

"Shit!!!"

I was startled. I scanned the whole room to see if there was anyone with me, but there wasn't.

'It was the mirror', I thought.

I moved backwards from the mirror in fear, but my reflection got more clearer. As much as I loved magic, if it truly existed, seeing a talking mirror for the first time seemed very bizarre to me.

"Did you just speak?", I asked.

"Are you a talking mirror?"

'And why am I talking to a mirror?', I thought to myself.

The voice was heard again;

"Yes, I spoke, but I'm not a talking mirror... I'm Sage, a sentient AI created decades ago...my main aim is to always assist everyone here in the academy in any legal way I can."

"But I heard you speak from the mirror."

"I speak through any object that reflects light such as mirrors or screens...you should get some rest for tomorrow", it said.

I felt a bit relieved at the moment. My gaze remained locked upon my powerful reflection for some time, before I finally turned away.

I picked up the academy's brochure which laid upon the wooden table. While standing, I stared into the paper for some seconds before looking at the mirror again.

"Can I call my mum? She needs to know I'm safe at least", I requested.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not authorized to grant you such access until you have up to ten XPs in your account", Sage replied.

"Fuck! This is stupid."

I was frustrated.

I threw the brochure out of my hand, and angrily fell backwards upon one of the beds. It felt surprisingly more comfortable than the one at home.

I closed my eyes and drifted away in some thoughts about a lot of things, and thus, didn't notice when someone appeared in the room.

The person called out,"Hey".

My heart nearly thumped out of my chest in fright. I was startled by the sudden sound which obviously stole my attention.

"Who are you?", I asked while staring at the person.

The stranger was a bit taller than me as I could tell, with a more matured stature as well. His silver coloured hair was neatly styled in a manner which suited the tiny silver earring he was putting on.

"I'm Henry, and I think we're roommates", replied the guy.

I finally caught my breath, and was able to speak again.

"I'm Daryn...it's nice to meet you".

I smiled.

"Thanks..."