Gio and I stood next to each other, holding hands in the faint hues of the last, cracked mirror. Our reflections looked a lot like two naughty children after a wild day at the playground. Our frizzy hair was messed up, his tunic and my petticoat were miserable, and our legs were covered in mud. But the glow in our eyes made up for our appearance.

We were beautiful.

"You know what to do," Gio said as he gently pushed me forward.

The Alaia in the mirror stepped up as we approached each other. We were more synchronized this time.

I touched my lips, so did she. I blinked and reached for the mirror. My reflection winked, and when our fingers touched, she grabbed my hand through the rippling glass and guided me into her world.

Moments later, I found myself standing in Mom's bedroom from this very morning. The cracked mirror was leaning on the makeup table. Her brush was on the same spot I'd left it—so was the red lipstick and the mascara.

Something was missing, though. I held my breath and started listening—but nothing. There wasn't a single sound in the castle.

Facing the mirror, I called Gio's name three times. He bent his head as he stepped out of the frame and stood next to me.

"I don't think anybody's here," I told him.

"Huh." He grinned and threw an arm over my shoulder. "This should be interesting."

"It would be easier if you just told me how to find my piece," I suggested as Gio led me to the door.

"Nah. Where is the fun in that?"

I shrugged and slipped away from his hold. My piece was going to find me eventually. Besides, Gio was here this time and he'd just implied that it would be fun!

"Where are you going?" he asked, glancing after me with widened eyes.

"I'll take a shower and get changed," I replied, lazily making my way to my bedroom. "See you in the kitchen? It's downstairs—past the living room, at the end of the corridor."

"You know I can dry-clean you with a head tilt, right?"

I smirked and pushed my bedroom door open. "Now, where is fun in that?"

I needed that shower more than anything—not only because I stank of mud, moss, and sweat but because I craved a sense of normality after all the craziness I'd been through.

As I stood under the running water, massaging my bubbly hair, Gio's whistle reached me from the drain. He must have made it to the kitchen. I giggled and crouched on the floor.

"Gio?" I sang.

His cheerful melody stopped with a gasp in a matter of seconds. "Alaia? Where are you?"

"Behind you. I'm invisible."

A loud clanking of dishes was followed by some metal clattering. He must have knocked a few pots and pans. I burst out laughing.

"I'm messing with you," I chirped between bouts of laughter. Gio was right. This world was fun. "I'm in my bathroom. Hear the water?"

The pipes carried his relieved sigh through the drain. "Well, I found the kitchen," he announced. "Are you hungry?"

My stomach's angry rumble made him chuckle.

"Don't bother. I'll heat something up when I come downstairs," I said.

"Nah, everything tastes bland in reflection worlds. Let me whip something up for you from scratch. I'm not a bad cook."

"Only if you insist." I stood up and turned the water off.

A blue summer dress with deep pockets would keep our contract safe and sound. I petted the buzzing scroll above the fabric, combed my wet hair and set off to find Gio in the kitchen.

He was standing behind a steaming pot and a pan, looking neat in a white t-shirt and blue jeans. I bet he summoned the clothes magically.

"Spaghetti and tomato sauce," he announced, stirring the creamy red liquid in front of him. "I grew some wheat and tomatoes just now. Also made you a sandwich from the stuff in your fridge—in case you want to try what reflections of food taste like."

I followed his gaze to the giant sandwich on the kitchen counter. Our chef's famous glazed ham and Swiss cheese on multi-seed bread looked glorious. I didn't hesitate to take a big bite and then spat it back on the plate.

Gio giggled.

"Tastes like chalk." My face soured as I pushed the dish away.

Gio raised the saucy wooden spoon to his lips and blew the dancing fumes. "Want to give this a go?"

I walked around the counter to peek into the simmering pan. The smell of fresh tomatoes lingered in the air as I closed my eyes and slurped some sauce. It was tangy, hearty, and mind-blowingly delicious. "Did you say you grew the tomatoes with magic?"

"Yeah. I mostly trade seeds and crops to grow them in my forest. I planted some seeds here," he explained, pointing at the vase on the floor, "and grew these for you."

My mouth was watering. My stomach was a tiny beast, roaring, scratching my insides. "When can we eat?"

"Now. I was just passing time. Take a seat." Gio chinned toward the kitchen table.

I showed him where the china was and pulled my chair as he drained the pasta. Once the hot food was in front of me, I dug in.

One plate followed another while Gio told me all about the different plants he grew in his world.

"But if you can't trade livestock, where did you get the animals in your forest?" I asked, putting my fork down.

"They came with my dimension to keep me company." He filled my glass with some water.

"Were you born into your dimension or trapped in it?"

His ears quivered as he leaned back comfortably. "Djinns aren't born like humans. We exist in the particles of magical dimensions. To materialize, all we need to do is wish for it. That wish creates a dimension, lets us rule the magic, and binds us there by—"

"Contracts." I tucked my hands into my pockets and tapped the scroll.

Gio nodded and bit his lip.

"Have you met other djinns?" I asked.

"Yeah, one—didn't like him. Think of us as similar electric charges. We repel each other. The bigger the distance between us, the better for our force field."

I nodded and ran my fingers along the contract's crunchy surface. It buzzed and heated under my touch. Letting out a deep breath, I took the scroll out and placed it between us.

Gio wiped the sweat on his forehead, and locked his gaze with mine.

"Tell me more about this contract," I said softly. "If we sign it here, can we break it in the real world?"

He shook his head. "It is soul binding. Once it's signed, we'll be a part of each other for the rest of our lives. You'll feel my joy and pain—I'll feel yours too. And when you die, I'll die with you. When I die, a piece of you will die too."

I crossed my arms and chewed my lips. "I'm sorry, but I can't be your wife, Gio."

His shoulders sagged.

I hated myself for breaking his heart like this, but I had to be frank with him. "I'm only eighteen and just beginning to be my own person..."

"Thanks for considering it." He forced a smile.

Tears stung my eyes. How was I supposed to leave him here, knowing I could rescue this wonderous guy from eternal solitude? But binding my soul with him? Becoming his wife? Could I save him from drowning when I didn't know how to swim?

"I really want to help you, Gio—"

"You don't owe me anything. Don't feel bad for me." He reached for the contract, but I snatched it before he did.

"Let me keep it until I find my piece," I suggested.

Our gazes locked again for a brief second. Gio let out an exhale, and then nodded. "Keep it safe."

I carefully placed it into my pocket and gave it an assuring pat. The scroll purred in return and settled on my lap.