The corridor offered no escape, and the Black Knight was steadily closing in.

Lys was entirely helpless. Ignoring the risk of being discovered, she hurriedly pulled out her small mirror and initiated a frantic, telepathic connection with her sisters. She whispered, "I'm sorry… I messed up."

White Queen's voice came through, calm and reassuring. "It's alright. The enemy already believes you are Princess Lysdia. It's only a matter of time before they try to confirm your identity. You've done very well."

"But what do we do now?" Lys hissed back, panic bleeding into her words. "I'm about to be captured!"

A heavy silence hung over the mirror before White Queen spoke again, "Lys... do you resent us for keeping secrets from you?"

"What do you mean?"

Secret Princess cut in. "Do you hate us for hiding the fact that you're a spirit?"

Lys tilted her head, bewildered. "A little, I guess. But it doesn't matter what I am. I'm still your favorite little sister, right?"

White Queen said softly, "Of course you are,...