Beyond the Enchanted Mirror

By Bungen Lee

In the mystical realm beyond the Enchanted Mirror, where love is forbidden and a curse holds sway, Robyn finds themselves caught in a destiny they never imagined. Yearning for acceptance and understanding, Robyn embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. As they navigate this captivating realm, they encounter a group of rebels fighting against the oppressive ruler and the curse that binds them all. Joined by the fearless warrior, Blake, and the enigmatic mage, Avery, Robyn learns of the legend surrounding the Enchanted Mirror—a fabled artifact said to hold the power to shatter the curse. Together, they set out on a daring quest to restore love and freedom to the realm. As friendships deepen and unexpected romance blooms, Robyn must summon the courage to confront their own fears and face the formidable challenges ahead. Will they unravel the secrets of the Enchanted Mirror and break the curse that grips their world? 'Beyond the Enchanted Mirror' is an enthralling tale of love, magic, and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to defy destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bungen Lee
• Release date: Jul 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223061403

Bungen Lee

Bungen Lee (pen name) has always had a passion for writing. As a child, he would spend countless hours scribbling stories in his notebook, often to the neglect of his schoolwork. However, it wasn't until later in life that Bungen realized that writing was his true calling. Despite his love for writing, Bungen pursued a career in engineering, where he worked tirelessly as an engineer for many years. However, his desire to write never waned, and he spent every free moment honing his craft. He attended writing workshops, read every book on the craft of writing, and even took a course on creative writing online. As an Asian Canadian writer, Bungen has always been interested in exploring the complexities of identity and culture in his writing. His stories often delve into the experiences of immigrants and their families, as well as the challenges of navigating life in a multicultural society.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The city of Elysium unfurls like a mesmerizing tapestry of urban grandeur and pulsating energy. A sprawling metropolis that dances on the edge of dreams, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity and collective ambition.

Tall skyscrapers reach skyward, their glass and steel facades reflecting the kaleidoscope of life below. The cityscape is a vibrant mosaic of architectural styles, blending the sleek lines of modernity with the timeless elegance of classical motifs. From art deco masterpieces to futuristic towers that seem to defy gravity, Elysium's skyline forms a majestic silhouette against the backdrop of the ever-changing heavens.

The streets pulse with life, teeming with a symphony of sounds and sights. People from all walks of life converge, creating a rich tapestry of cultures and stories. Sidewalks lined with bustling cafes and vibrant boutiques overflow with a diverse tapestry of humanity. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the tantalizing scents of international cuisines, creating an intoxicating olfactory symphony that dances through the air.

Gardens and parks serve as verdant oases amidst the urban sprawl. Lush green spaces with meticulously manicured lawns and vibrant flowerbeds offer respite from the relentless pace of the city. Towering trees, their branches reaching skyward like nature's embrace, provide a sanctuary for birds and a welcome shade for weary pedestrians.

Elysium's heartbeat reverberates through its cultural epicenters. Theaters, museums, and galleries stand as bastions of creativity, showcasing the artistic endeavors of both emerging talents and celebrated maestros. The enchanting melodies of street musicians drift through the air, harmonizing with the rhythm of life, creating an ever-present soundtrack that accompanies the city's vibrant pulse.

As the sun sets, the city awakens anew. Neon lights come alive, casting their vibrant glow upon the streets. The city's nocturnal inhabitants emerge, weaving through a labyrinth of nightclubs, jazz bars, and underground venues. Music spills onto the streets, inviting passersby to lose themselves in the rhythm and revelry.

Within its bustling streets and towering structures, a sense of endless potential permeates the air, inspiring all who call this city home to strive for greatness and make their mark upon the world.

In the heart of Elysium, a teenager is walking around, in search for an adventure. That teenager is Robyn. Their unique essence shines through every aspect of their being, captivating those who have the privilege of crossing paths with them. With a confident stride and an aura of self-assurance, Robyn stands tall amidst the chaotic rhythm of the city.

Their appearance is a kaleidoscope of expression. Robyn's hair, a vibrant cascade of colors, defies convention as it sweeps across their shoulders. Each strand seems to hold a story, whispering tales of rebellion and personal growth. Their fashion choices are a canvas for creativity, a testament to their individuality. From their tailored blazers adorned with pins and patches that celebrate their identity, to their eclectic collection of accessories, Robyn's style is a vibrant celebration of queerness and self-expression.

Robyn's eyes, mesmerizing and full of depth, reflect a vast spectrum of emotions. Like windows to the soul, their eyes reveal a fierce determination, a hunger for knowledge, and an unyielding compassion. Whether sparkling with excitement or brimming with empathy, their gaze has the power to draw people in, making them feel seen and understood.

A warm and infectious smile often graces Robyn's lips, a beacon of positivity that can light up the darkest corners of the city. Their laughter, a melody that resonates through the streets, is a testament to their vibrant spirit. It carries an air of authenticity and resilience, a reminder that joy can be found even in the face of adversity.

Robyn, a tender soul navigating the labyrinth of existence, has perpetually felt like an outsider in a world that often feels cold and judgmental. From the earliest whispers of consciousness, a sense of longing for acceptance has woven itself deep within their being.

The world, with its rigid boundaries and predefined molds, seems unwilling to embrace the kaleidoscope of Robyn's essence. Their journey through life has been punctuated by countless moments of feeling misplaced, like a puzzle piece that refuses to fit into the predetermined picture.

In the hallways of education, Robyn's footsteps echo with a poignant melody of solitude. They yearn for understanding, for the warmth of connection that would affirm their existence, but too often encounter disapproving glances and hushed whispers that remind them they do not conform to the norm. Their attempts to find solace in friendship often lead to disappointment, as genuine connections elude them, leaving their spirit adrift in a sea of indifference.

Robyn's struggle for acceptance reverberates through the corridors of their heart. Each heartbeat carries a burden of vulnerability, an ache to be seen and embraced for the complex tapestry of emotions and experiences that define their identity. Their desires, once vibrant and full of hope, now seem muted and overshadowed by the weight of societal expectations.

Yet, within the depths of their loneliness, Robyn's spirit refuses to be extinguished. Their journey through the shadows of rejection has sculpted a resilience and strength that radiates from their core. Their heart, though fragile, remains open, yearning for a world that will meet them with open arms, a world where diversity is celebrated rather than shunned.

In the quiet moments when the weight of the world becomes too heavy to bear, Robyn seeks solace amidst the labyrinthine streets of the city. Their free time becomes a sanctuary, a respite from the cacophony of expectations and judgments that surround them.

With an eager heart and a curious spirit, Robyn embarks on a quest to uncover hidden gems within the urban tapestry. Their footsteps carry them through the cobblestone alleys, weaving through the bustling crowds until they discover a portal to a bygone era: vintage shops and antique markets.

Each shop becomes a treasure trove, brimming with whispers of the past. The air, heavy with nostalgia, invites Robyn to step into a world where time stands still. Sunlight filters through dusty windows, casting a warm glow upon the worn wooden shelves that bear the weight of forgotten memories.

Robyn's fingers dance delicately over faded fabrics, their touch tracing the stitches of history. They lose themselves in the intricate details, imagining the stories woven into each thread. The scent of aged paper lingers in the air as they leaf through yellowed pages of books, feeling the weight of the stories that have been whispered and shared across generations.

Among the treasures, Robyn discovers relics of forgotten passions. Vintage records spin melodies of heartache and joy, filling the space with echoes of a time when love and rebellion were etched in the grooves. Delicate porcelain dolls, their porcelain smiles frozen in eternal innocence, watch silently as Robyn unravels their secrets, connecting with the childlike wonder that still resides within.

The world outside fades away as Robyn becomes entwined in the narrative of the past. Each item, carefully curated and displayed, holds a tangible essence that resonates deep within their soul. The objects become more than mere possessions; they become fragments of a shared humanity, threads that connect the present with a tapestry of lives that came before.

In these vintage havens, Robyn finds a respite from the harsh glare of the world. Each encounter within the antique markets and vintage shops becomes a moment of communion with kindred spirits who have sought solace in the tangible echoes of history. Together, they form an unspoken understanding, an understanding that the stories of the past can offer solace and inspiration in the present.

As the city buzzes outside, Robyn immerses themselves in this refuge of treasures, finding comfort in the fragments of forgotten narratives. Each visit becomes a pilgrimage of the soul, a reminder that within the layers of time, there exists a beauty that transcends the judgment and expectations of the modern world.

Today, as the sunlight spills through the city's narrow alleyways, Robyn's footsteps lead them to a hidden corner where whispers of forgotten treasures beckon. In this tucked-away haven, a quaint antique shop awaits, its weathered facade bearing the weight of stories untold.

A tinkling bell announces Robyn's arrival as they push open the creaking door, stepping into a realm frozen in time. The air carries a hushed reverence, as if the objects within the shop hold secrets longing to be discovered. Sunbeams filter through the stained-glass windows, casting ethereal patterns on the worn wooden floor.

As Robyn's footsteps carried them deeper into the enchanting depths of the vintage shop, a gentle voice broke through the hushed ambiance. The owner, a figure woven from nostalgia and warmth, greeted them with a soft smile that crinkled the corners of their eyes. Welcome, they whispered, their words resonating like a comforting melody in the quiet expanse.

The owner, a guardian of forgotten treasures, stood amidst the aisles like a timeless sentinel. Their presence emanated a deep appreciation for the stories that lingered within each artifact. It was as if they held the key to unlock the secrets of the past, inviting Robyn to step into a world where time danced to its own rhythm.

As Robyn meanders through the vintage shop, time seems to bend and warp around them, transporting them to a world where the past and present merge in a captivating dance. The shop itself is a sanctuary of forgotten treasures, an ephemeral bridge between eras, where whispers of history beckon from every nook and cranny.

Sunlight streams through the aged windows, casting ethereal patterns that illuminate the worn wooden floor. Dust particles, suspended in the air, twinkle like tiny stars, lending a dreamlike quality to the space. The air carries a nostalgic fragrance, a delicate blend of old books, aged fabrics, and polished wood, intertwining to create a symphony of scents that tickle the senses.

Shelves, like guardians of memory, stand tall and proud, adorned with an eclectic array of curiosities. The objects, each with its own story to tell, seem to come alive as Robyn's gaze sweeps across them. Porcelain dolls, their delicate features frozen in time, gaze out with painted eyes that seem to hold secrets of forgotten childhoods.

Vintage clothing, suspended on antique dress forms, whispers tales of fashion from a bygone era. Satin dresses and tweed coats hang in silent anticipation, ready to adorn a new wearer and breathe life into long-forgotten styles. Robyn's fingertips graze over the intricate lacework and embroidered patterns, feeling the tangible connection to the hands that meticulously crafted these garments.

The walls, like a tapestry of memories, are adorned with faded photographs and vintage artwork. Time-stained portraits of anonymous faces, their stories lost to the ages, gaze out from their gilded frames, inviting Robyn to imagine the lives they once lived. Landscapes, rendered in strokes of muted colors, evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting Robyn to far-off places without ever leaving the shop's confines.

In the corner, an old Victrola stands proudly, its mahogany casing weathered by the passage of time. Its brass horn seems poised to emit the melodies of a bygone era, the haunting voices of forgotten singers. Robyn's hand grazes the worn knobs, feeling the vibrations of music that still lingers within.

The shop's atmosphere hums with a gentle energy, a silent conversation between the past and present. Soft melodies from a distant time seem to linger in the air, conjuring an ethereal soundtrack for Robyn's exploration. The vintage shop becomes a sanctuary, a refuge where the weight of the world is momentarily lifted, and the beauty of the past becomes tangible.

As Robyn casually wanders from one treasure to another, their senses become attuned to the subtleties that define this enchanted space. The shop's ambiance wraps around them like a comforting embrace, inviting them to lose themselves in the stories woven into each object.

As Robyn's gaze drifts across the mesmerizing collection of artifacts, a glint of light catches their eye. Nestled amidst a tapestry of aged treasures, an exquisite mirror stands like a regal monarch, commanding attention with its ornate frame. The mirror's presence seems to radiate an ethereal energy, drawing Robyn closer, like a moth to a flickering flame.

The frame, a work of art in itself, is adorned with delicate filigree and intricate carvings. Each curling pattern and delicate flourish tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship, as if the hands that created it poured their souls into every stroke. The metal, aged with time, exudes a patina of wisdom, as if it holds secrets waiting to be revealed.

Robyn's fingertips, trembling with anticipation, reach out to touch the mirror's surface, their reflection staring back at them with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. The glass, flawlessly polished, seems to ripple with a hidden power, as if it holds the key to another world—one where dreams and reality merge, where love and adventure intertwine.

As Robyn's fingertips delicately graze the cool surface of the mirror, a sudden jolt of energy courses through their veins, tingling with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The very air seems to crackle with an otherworldly electricity, as if the mirror itself is a conduit for ancient powers, long dormant and eager to awaken.

In response to Robyn's touch, the mirror stirs, as if awakened from a deep slumber. The once-static glass comes alive, shimmering with an ethereal glow that cascades like liquid moonlight across its surface. Soft hues of cerulean and amethyst dance within the glass, creating an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of colors that reflects the essence of the mystical realm it guards.

Robyn's breath catches in their throat, their heart pounding in sync with the pulsating light. It is as if the mirror recognizes their presence, reaching out to them with a gentle embrace. The soft glow casts a halo upon their features, illuminating their face with an otherworldly radiance. In this moment, Robyn is both witness and participant in a sublime convergence of magic and destiny.

The mirror's glow seems to seep into their very being, intertwining with their essence, igniting a dormant fire within their soul. It whispers promises of adventure and self-discovery, urging Robyn to step forward into the unknown, to embrace the wonders that lie beyond the veil of their mundane existence.

Mesmerized by the luminous display, Robyn's eyes widen, reflecting the mirror's brilliance. Time stands still as they drink in the beauty before them, feeling an inexplicable connection to the swirling energies that dance upon the mirror's surface. It is a call to unravel the mysteries of this enchanted realm, to uncover the truths hidden within their own heart.

Startled, Robyn's eyes widen in a mixture of awe and fear as they attempt to retreat, but their movements are futile. Before they can fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, a blinding light erupts from the mirror's surface, enveloping them in a dazzling brilliance that consumes their senses.

Their heart races in their chest, a symphony of fear and anticipation pounding in their ears. The world around them fades into a blur, replaced by a radiant luminescence that seeps into their very being. Time seems to bend and contort, as if the laws of reality are being rewritten before their eyes.

In the blink of an eye, Robyn finds themselves torn away from the familiarity of the antique shop and thrust into a realm that exists beyond the mirror's surface. The transition is disorienting, like a surreal dream suddenly turned vivid reality. As their surroundings come into focus, their breath catches in their throat, caught between a gasp of astonishment and a whisper of disbelief.

As consciousness returns, Robyn gradually emerges from the depths of the unknown, their eyes fluttering open to a sight that steals their breath away. They find themselves nestled within a serene meadow, a tapestry of vibrant wildflowers painting the landscape in a riot of colors. Each petal sways gracefully in the gentle breeze, creating a symphony of fragrances that dance upon the air.

Robyn sits up, their palms grazing the soft grass beneath them, as if verifying the reality of this newfound realm. The blades of emerald tickle their fingertips, grounding them in a place where reality and enchantment intertwine. The sunlight, filtering through a canopy of leaves above, casts a dappled glow upon their skin, infusing them with a warm embrace.

With wide-eyed wonder, Robyn takes in their surroundings. The meadow stretches as far as the eye can see, its boundaries blurred by a haze of delicate mist that carries the whispers of ancient magic. Tall trees, their trunks adorned with vines and moss, stand like sentinels, guarding the secrets of this ethereal realm.

The air crackles with an intangible energy, a palpable presence of enchantment that tingles on Robyn's skin. It is a place where the veil between the mundane and the extraordinary is thin, where the essence of wonder seeps into every molecule of the atmosphere. They can almost taste the flicker of magic on their tongue, a taste of endless possibilities.

A gentle breeze rustles through the trees, carrying melodies whispered by the forest itself. It wraps around Robyn like a comforting embrace, whispering secrets and tales of bygone eras. The leaves above, kissed by the wind, sway in synchrony, casting playful shadows upon the verdant carpet below.

Confused and disoriented, Robyn takes cautious steps through the verdant meadow, their heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. The air crackles with an electric energy, as if the very atmosphere holds the answers to the myriad questions swirling in their mind. Their gaze sweeps across the landscape, searching for any semblance of familiarity or guidance.

In their wanderings, Robyn's path leads them to a babbling brook that meanders through the heart of the meadow. The sound of the water's gentle murmur draws them closer, offering a respite from the overwhelming influx of emotions. Kneeling beside the brook, they cup their hands and dip them into the crystalline water, the touch cool and refreshing against their skin.

As the water trickles between their fingers, Robyn's senses awaken to a subtle shift in the air. There is a lingering magic that dances upon the surface of the brook, a hidden enchantment that infuses every droplet. They bring the water to their lips, taking a tentative sip, and in that moment, they taste more than mere hydration.

The water carries an