Chapter Three: A Living Person's Ticket

“Not yet. There are no exits here, only exchanged partners. The White Lady needs seven names. Gu Chenzhou chooses one from the elimination pool each round, but last night I touched the mirror in your place. It took the wrong person.” The hand on his shoulder had been reaching for her. “Why didn't you tell me?” “You wouldn't have finished the dance.” He gave the small smile he always used to calm her before a performance. “You must advance to the final mirror. Only when the global tide of attention peaks will an exit appear.” The music changed. The White Lady approached in a pearl gown that made no sound against the floor. She wore no veil. Her beauty belonged to another century, and fire-black cracks covered half her face.