Becca opened her eyes. She saw blue ones staring at her and eyed the silver-haired warrior who had become her abductor.
“Where am I?” she whispered.
“You are home. I am sorry to bring آپ back like this. But my duty was to bring آپ home. My duty now is to protect you.”
“Protect me? From what?”
“Let me explain the situation first. Becca Stevens, آپ are not a normal human.”
“How do آپ know my name?”
“You were born here, in Attalin. آپ are of royal Attalin blood. Your father has turned against us and killed your family. All but two.”
“Me and Serepta.”
“Yes. آپ became a great warrior and hero. Serepta became a great threat and warlock. But آپ both already had these powers. In the death of Serepta, and your father banned from Attalin, آپ are the heir of this kingdom. And your powers are not ordinary. Not only are آپ a princess, Becca. آپ are a princess of the Wiccans.”
“What?”
“You are a Wiccan. It's in your blood. Your mother has been here for years, awaiting the دن آپ would come back to this place.”
“My mother? But how? She died!”
“No. Your father couldn't kill his wife. He loved her. She ran away and hid from him for several years. When she came back she resumed her place as Queen. And آپ are the only one she has left. Your father will never find آپ here. Most people can't get in.”
“My mother. Can I see her?”
“Not dressed like this. Queen Kendra would disapprove. But only because the people would disapprove.”
“Find me something to wear? I wish to see my mother.”
“Of course master. I obey.”
“Why do آپ call me master?” Becca asked.
Luna shuffled through some clothes in a large closet. She reappeared and handed Becca a dress.
“I am your body guard, your lady-in-waiting. آپ speak and I obey.”
“So آپ are to protect and serve me?”
“Yes.”
Becca eyed the girl before testing out her power. She threw her old clothes on the ground.
“Pick those up?”
Luna obeyed and put them where they belonged. When she was done, Luna waited for مزید orders. Becca slipped into the dress, turning her back towards Luna.
“Help me with this?”
Again, Luna obeyed without a word. When Becca was done dressing, Luna fetched a pair of black boots. Becca slipped them on and put her hair into a ponytail. She looked at Luna, who nodded approval.
“Luna. Take me to my mother.”
Luna cracked a smile. Becca had commanded her, not asked. Becca saw the glimmer in the girl's eyes as Luna bowed before her.
“Yes my master.”

Luna walked slowly as her master looked around in awe. Although some of their designs were primitive, most of Attalin was like something from a futuristic movie. Sure they had some older buildings and even a castle. But most things were up to تاریخ with the twentieth century. Becca had never seen such a wonderful blend of the old and the new. The two sides seemed to balance each other out. As they neared the gates, Becca stopped for a منٹ to smell some flowers. The lady behind the stand handed Becca a rose; a black rose. Becca, intrigued سے طرف کی the color, took the flower. Luna gave the woman a coin before gesturing Becca along.
“I've never seen a پھول this color.”
“You'll have to forgive us. Attalin has been able to grow things no other humans can. And آپ have seen the flower. But the shield wiped آپ memory of Attalin.”
“How?”
“It is programmed to do so. When آپ and Serepta escaped, the shield must have been on. That is why آپ never returned یا had any memory of us.”
Becca stayed silent, pondering everything over.
“Forgive me, master. I should not have been so blunt.”
“Oh it wasn't آپ Luna. I was just thinking about something.”
“Do not think much longer. Your mother is awaiting you.”
Just the thought of her mother caused Becca to walk faster. They entered the gates and Becca ignored the stares and murmurs. She hurried inside, Luna سے طرف کی her at all times. They were sent to a sun room where they were forced to wait. Becca sat on a window bench, Luna standing beside her. The door opened and Becca stood. A beautiful woman with brown hair and blue eyes walked in. She was dressed in a سونا تقسیم halter, halter, اگاڑی topped dress but t looked مزید like armor. For a minute, the two stared at each other. Then the woman spoke in a soft voice.
“Becca!”
Her eyes watered as Becca ran into her mother's embrace, smelling the scent she had missed so much; lilacs and چیری, آلو بالو blossoms.
“Mom.”