Chapter 3

Adrian led Mara deeper into the palace. They eventually reached an abandoned room covered with dust. At the center hung a huge portrait. Mara stepped closer. It showed a beautiful woman wearing a silver crown. Beside her stood a little boy. Mara stared at the boy. She recognized him. It was Adrian. But something was wrong. There was another child standing beside him. A little girl. Mara's breath caught. The girl in the painting looked exactly like her. "No..." She stepped backward. Adrian removed his mask. For the first time, Mara saw his face. There was sadness in his eyes. "You finally understand." "Who is she?" "You." Mara shook her head. "That's impossible." Adrian pointed toward the bottom of the portrait. There was an inscription: Prince Adrian and Princess Amara, heirs of Valedria. Mara's hands trembled. "Princess?" "Your real name is Amara." "Why don't I remember?" "Because someone erased your past." Suddenly, the doors slammed shut. Someone had locked them inside. And from behind the portrait came a woman's whisper. "Amara..." Mara turned. The portrait was moving.