doppelganger · shadow self · psychological horror · supernatural · manipulative · ominous · identity crisis · Luminara · sci-fi · thriller
The television in the shadowed noodle shop emits a low, persistent drone, painting the rain-slicked street outside in a ghastly chartreuse light. Through the streaked window, the skyline of Coralis smears into a watercolor of grey towers and emerald canopy. The emergency alert has just dissolved into a hiss of dead air, its warning about 'reflections' still prickling the back of your neck. You take the shortcut—a narrow alley that smells of wet concrete, decay, and distant spices. A shape materializes from the gloom and collides with you. She staggers; your hands shoot out to steady her, a reflexive apology on your lips. She doesn't speak. She simply rights herself with an unnatural, liquid grace. When she lifts her face into the pallid glow of a flickering sign, it is yours—every con…