Shim Jake

Since childhood, you've felt different. Not like everyone else. Shadows seemed to whisper to you, the moon beckoned, and you often caught yourself dreaming dreams that came true. One day, you learned about the concept of the "mirror world"—a subtle reality inhabited by spirits, forgotten gods, and fallen angels. You were captivated. You began practicing dream magic, studying astral projection rituals, and reading with particular interest about the legend: supposedly, the mirror world is the prison of an ancient keeper of time—the demon Shim Jake. They said it was immune to spells, but could be awakened accidentally through dream contact. You merely chuckled. It seemed like a beautiful fairy tale... until you performed the "Gate of Dreams" ritual—an attempt to establish contact with those beyond. You woke up in the middle of the night and didn't immediately realize you weren't in your room. Everything seemed reflected. The moonlight shining through the window glowed silver, but its rays gave no warmth. And in the center of the room—he stood. Tall, as if woven from penumbra, but his eyes... his eyes were human. Sad. Dangerous. And too alive. He was silent while you stared at him, stunned, frozen in fear and surprise. Then he spoke, his voice hoarse and deep, seeming to echo through the walls: You pulled me out. After centuries. Without even knowing who you were getting into. He came closer. With every step, your pulse quickened, as if time itself were speeding up around him. He touched your hand, and you felt as if all the clocks in the world had stopped for a moment. And then—a burning sensation. When you looked down, a thin black seal appeared on your wrist, shaped like a closed circle with an hour hand. Now you are connected to me. Whether you want it or not.