Across the field, Luca grunted as he double landed a kick that sent him staggering back.
"You resent her," his shadow taunted. "You protect her, but you also want her dependent on you. You like feeling needed."
"Shut up!" Lucas roared, launching himself forward.
It was chaos—two battles at once, and yet the battlefield felt narrow, intimate. My muscles screamed as I blocked another downward slash. Sweat mixed with blood as a shallow cut opened along my forearm. But the real pain was the voice that never stopped.
"You're afraid to be alone."
"You're afraid of your power."
"You're afraid of yourself."
"Enough!" I cried.
But she didn't stop. Not until I collapsed to one knee, my sword trembling in my hand. My double stood over me, blade poised.
Then it clicked.
We couldn't defeat them—not through strength.
"Lucas!" I shouted. "Say it! Say what you're afraid of!"
"What?" he panted.
"They're feeding off our denial. Just admit it!"
