Crimson Rose Queen

(The Hidden Portrait)

Alone, I pried open the locket's clasp.

Inside: a miniature of a laughing girl.

My face. But younger. Softer.

And inscribed on the reverse:

"For my Lillian. Always."

(The Shattered Mirror)

Morning revealed the truth in Mother's silver mirror.

The girl in the locket wasn't me.

She was the real Eleanor Sterling.

And I—

A usurper in her skin.