Mirror Image
Read the storyTitle: [TBD] Genre: Magical Realism / Mythological Horror / Psychological Drama Tone: Surreal, intimate, mythic, emotionally charged, some elements of dark humor When Magdalena (26) and her husband, Epifanio (39) travel to his hometown in Mexico their trip takes a dark turn. It’s Epifanio’s first time back in decades. While exploring a nearly empty museum near closing time, they discover a sealed-off temple beneath the building. As they descend into its depths, they’re attacked by monstrous supernatural creatures. Epifanio is mortally wounded protecting Magdalena. In the space between life and death, Epifanio is approached by Tezcatlipoca, the ancient Mexica god of chaos and mirrors. Tezcatlipoca tells him that he would like to take Epifanio’s body as a vessel, he just needs Epifanio to say yes. Epifanio agrees under one condition: that Tezcatlipoca protect Magdalena. Umamused, Tezcatlipoca agrees. Tezcatlipoca resurrects the body and slaughters the creatures—just as Magdalena loses consciousness. Back in Las Vegas, Magdalena struggles to process her trauma. Though Epifanio appears alive, he’s not the same. He’s more confident, aloof, unsettlingly perceptive—and something about his presence warps the world around them. She senses something is deeply wrong. Tezcatlipoca, now fully inhabiting her husband’s body, keeps up a loose façade while arrogantly adapting to modern life. He honors his promise to protect her—but he has his own agenda. As supernatural forces begin to intrude on their reality—omens, hauntings, and other gods watching from the edges—Magdalena slowly uncovers the truth: Epifanio is gone, and a god now walks in his skin. The revelation fractures her. She’s furious, grieving, and trapped in a deeply personal horror story. Yet as danger mounts—summoned spirits, ancient debts, forgotten rituals—Magdalena is forced to rely on the god she despises. Their tense, emotionally fraught bond becomes a strange survival pact. Tezcatlipoca, both predator and protector, begins to change as well. Whether out of fascination, guilt, or something older and more unknowable, he honors his promise. But the question remains: Is he protecting her for Epifanio’s sake—or for reasons he’s not yet ready to admit?