Chapter 10: Trial of Beauty

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As Selene stepped through the shimmering surface of the mirror, she was enveloped by a warm, golden light that filled the air with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The world around her transformed, revealing a lush meadow alive with vibrant colors and gentle breezes that danced through the tall grass. Yet, despite the beauty surrounding her, an unsettling sense of unease settled in her chest.

The pathway to Selene's trial was unlike anything the Godsworn had encountered before. Instead of a desert or dense forest, she now stood at the entrance of a grand mirror-lined corridor. Each mirror reflected her, showing every angle, every movement, and every expression she made. The mirrors were pristine, gleaming like the surface of a still pond under moonlight, but something about them felt unsettling.


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Just as Selene hesitated, her eyes tracing the many reflections, Lumina appeared beside her, her glowing wings fluttering gently.

"Selene," Lumina spoke softly, "This trial will not only test your strength but your heart. The mirrors will reflect more than just your physical form. They will show you what lies deep within."

Selene's heart fluttered. She knew this trial would be different. "What if I can't face what's in there?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lumina's soft gaze met hers. "You can, and you must. Trust yourself and know your worth goes beyond the surface."

Taking a deep breath, Selene nodded. "I understand."

Alexander, watching from the portal, called out, "Good luck, Selene. Remember, it's not always about what you see in the mirror."

Selene gave him a quick smile, though the nervous flutter in her stomach betrayed her confidence. She was Aphrodite's chosen—blessed with beauty beyond compare, capable of turning heads with a glance. But deep inside, a familiar unease began to creep back into her heart.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, and the portal sealed behind her. The reflections in the mirrors began to shift, no longer following her movements. Instead, they portrayed versions of her—versions from her past.

One mirror showed a younger Selene, awkward and shy, her hair messy and her clothes plain. Her face was marked with acne, and her expression was one of hurt and confusion. In another, she saw herself surrounded by cruel faces—former classmates, laughing and mocking her.

The echoes of their words came flooding back:

"You're so ugly!"

"Why would anyone ever look at you?"

Selene's heart clenched. She could feel the sting of those taunts again, the memories of those long-forgotten days when she felt invisible—unworthy of love or attention.

As she walked past each mirror, more versions of herself appeared—some as the insecure girl she once was, and others as the confident woman she had become. The contrast between the two was stark, but each reflection pulled at her, forcing her to confront the parts of herself she had tried to bury.

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