“Your name?"The movements of the man's mouth didn't quite match what he was saying, so seeing him speak was a bit like watching a badly dubbed film."Alex Gardiner," Alex said. "Your real name?""I just told you.""You lied. Your real name is Alex Rider.""Why ask if you think you know?”

“What is your name?” I asked, voice hoarse.“Alexandria,” she repeated in a soft voice I’d never heard Alex use in real life.“And who am I?”“Aiden.” She smiled, and I flinched. “You are my Master.”

“I’m Hana,” Hana says. “And this is Lena.” She jabs me with an elbow. Iknow I must look like a fish, standing there with my mouth gaping open, but I’mtoo outraged to speak. He’s lying. I know he’s the one I saw yesterday, would betmy life on it.“Alex. Nice to meet you.” Alex keeps his eyes on me as he and Hana shakehands. Then he extends a hand to me. “Lena,” he says thoughtfully. “I’ve neverheard that name before.”

“Why are you trying to be something you’re not?”I shrugged, “People change, get used to it Alex. It’s not like you know me anyway.”He nodded, “You’ve got that right. I just hope you haven’t lost yourself in the process … it would be a real shame if you couldn’t find your way back.”I frowned at him, “And what the hell is that supposed to mean Alex?”He studied my eyes intently, “I just don’t want you to forget who you truly are … because I liked that girl.”

“Did I ever tell you that Alex loves you so much he got your name tattooed all over his body? Hell, he even got your name branded into the back of his neck.""They say 'LB,' Carlos. The initials for Latino Blood.""No, no, no. You've got it all wrong. He wants everyone to think that, but in reality it means Lover of Brittany. LB, get it?”

“You had another tattoo done? What does it say?""Alex. It says, Alex. I guess I just needed something to remind me you were real, because after you left, there was nothing ... nothing to say you'd ever been here.”