Aria stumbled back, her breath caught in her throat.
"Who… who are you?" she asked, her voice barely audible. The woman before her radiated warmth, yet there was an aura of power so strong that the air itself seemed to tremble.
"I am Elaria," the woman said with a gentle smile. "Guardian of the Lost, Keeper of Fate… and your fairy godmother."
Aria blinked, unable to comprehend the words. "My... what?"
Elaria's feet finally touched the earth, and she walked closer, the grass blooming with tiny white flowers in her wake.
"You were never meant to live a life of servitude, child," Elaria said, brushing a lock of hair from Aria's face. "You were born of royal blood. Daughter of Queen Seraphina and King Alderon of Aerindale."
Aria shook her head slowly. "No. That can't be. My parents are—"
"Not yours," Elaria interrupted gently. "Lysa found you by the river... cast away by those who feared what you might become."
The memories flooded in—faint, distant dreams Aria had always believed were just imagination: golden halls, a soft lullaby, a woman's perfume, a crown above a crib.
"But... why?" she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.
"Greed," Elaria said darkly. "Your father's sister, Lady Malvera, wanted the throne for her own daughter. She orchestrated your disappearance. The entire kingdom believes the king and queen lost you."
Aria staggered back, her entire world crumbling beneath her feet.
"I don't understand. Why tell me now?"
"Because," Elaria said, eyes twinkling, "the night of the royal ball is near—and your destiny calls."
Aria looked down at her torn, soot-stained dress. "I can't go. They'll never let me. And I have nothing to wear, no way to get there."
Elaria smiled. "Leave that to me."
She raised her hands, and the wind surged. Starlight spun around Aria in silken ribbons. Her rags vanished, replaced by a gown of midnight blue, adorned with silver embroidery that shimmered like constellations. Her tangled hair cascaded into soft waves, and glass-like slippers appeared on her feet.
Aria gasped. "It's beautiful."
"You will go to the palace," Elaria said. "You will meet the prince. And when you do, your soul will remember what your heart already knows."
"But... what if Lady Malvera sees me? What if she tries to stop me?"
"She will," Elaria said, her smile fading. "And she will stop at nothing."
Aria's heart pounded. "Then why send me at all?"
Elaria stepped close and placed a single finger on Aria's chest. "Because your courage is stronger than her fear. And because love—true love—has power even dark magic cannot break."
The air shimmered. A silver carriage, pulled by white stallions, appeared at the edge of the field.
Elaria's voice softened. "Go now, my princess. But remember—when the final bell chimes at midnight, the spell will fade."
Aria climbed into the carriage, her heart fluttering wildly.
As the horses pulled away, racing toward the glowing city, Elaria watched her go.
The stars above sparkled brighter that night.
For the lost princess was no longer hidden.
She was on her way to reclaim everything.