Page 100 of Knot My Wonderland

I didn't answer, focusing instead on the blood magic signatures that continued to pulse across his display. The strongest one, the false trail pointing toward Martha, demanded immediate attention. "We should focus on the immediate threat. Alice's recovery will be hindered if she's constantly worried about spies in the Sanctuary."

"Deflection noted," Varik said cheerfully, though he allowed the subject change. "I can modify this detection array into something more mobile—a device that would reveal blood magic corruption on direct contact. Give me a few hours, and we can begin testing the resistance fighters one by one."

"Start with the newest arrivals," I instructed, shadows flowing toward the eastern corridor signature. "Whoever planted this false trail is likely hiding among those Heart brought in after the last raid."

"And what about you?" Varik asked, already gathering components for his new device. "Will you be joining the interrogations, or lurking in the shadows as usual?"

I considered the question, weighing visibility against effectiveness. "Direct involvement would only heighten suspicions. Heart barely tolerates my presence as it is." My shadows formed a brief image of the Prince's distrustful glare before dissolving. "I'll observe from a distance and intervene only if necessary."

"Wise of you," Varik replied, his wild eyes glinting with amusement. "Though I suspect Alice will have other ideas about your involvement once she recovers. She has a rather inconvenient habit of wanting full transparency from everyone around her."

My shadows flickered with something that might have been anticipation mixed with dread. Alice's directness was both refreshing and terrifying—she cut through centuries of careful political maneuvering with simple, honest questions that left me exposed in ways I'd forgotten were possible.

"The pattern chose her for more than just magical compatibility," I murmured, watching the blood magic signatures pulse with malevolent energy. "Her ability to see truth beneath deception may be as important as her power to reshape reality."

"Speaking of seeing truth," Varik said, adjusting a complex array of brass and crystal components, "you might want to consider what you'll tell her when she inevitably asks about Martha. Heart will be devastated to learn you've had your shadows protecting his lieutenant without his knowledge."

I considered this as my shadows coiled thoughtfully. "The truth serves no purpose in this instance. Heart would see it as a violation rather than protection."

"And Alice?" Varik pressed, his wild eyes suddenly sharp. "Will you lie to her as well?"

The question hung between us, heavier than it should have been. My shadows stilled completely as I contemplated the implications. For centuries, I had moved through Wonderland's fractured landscape revealing only what served my purposes. Partial truths, calculated omissions, strategic misdirections—all tools I wielded with precision. But with Alice...

"No," I said finally, surprising myself with the certainty in my voice. "I won't lie to her."

Varik's hands stilled on his instruments, genuine surprise flickering across his wild features. "Well. That's... unexpected."

"The pattern rejects deception," I said, my shadows forming complex geometries that dissolved as quickly as they appeared. "Alice carries the First Queen's template—she'll sense lies instinctively, especially from potential bond partners."

Varik's laugh carried a note of genuine amazement. "So the great manipulator finds himself forced into honesty. There's a delicious irony in that."

My jaw tightened as I watched the blood magic signatures pulse with increasing urgency. "Honesty and transparency aren't the same thing, Hatter. I won't lie to Alice, but I won't volunteer information that could endanger her either."

"A fine distinction," Varik murmured, returning to his device construction. "One I'm sure Alice will appreciate whenshe discovers you've been protecting Martha without telling anyone."

I moved toward the workshop door, my shadows flowing around me like liquid night. "She'll understand the necessity once she knows the full context."

"Context being the operative word," Varik called after me, his voice carrying a knowing edge. "Just how much context are you planning to provide, Your Majesty? Will you tell her about the other shadow agents you've positioned throughout Wonderland? Or the contingency plans you've been developing since before she arrived?"

I paused at the threshold, my shadows momentarily betraying my hesitation. "She'll know what she needs to know when she needs to know it."

"And there's the King of Spades we all know and distrust," Varik chuckled, returning to his work. "I'll have the detection device ready by morning. Try not to manipulate any major political situations before then."

I left without responding, my shadows flowing around me until I was in a room by myself and took a deep breath. I would calm down then go seek Alice out. Maybe a talk was overdue.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Alice

Iwoke slowly, blinking the sleep out of my eyes. It was warm and I felt comfortable. I glanced around me and saw both Heart and Chi laying down on the bed with me, making a small smile come to my face.

Heart lay on my right, his breathing deep and even in sleep, one arm protectively draped across my waist. The golden patterns of our bond pulsed gently beneath both our skin, creating a warm, steady rhythm that matched his heartbeat. Chi was curled on my left, his solid form more relaxed than I'd ever seen it, tail wrapped loosely around my wrist even in slumber. The silver threads of our foundational bond shimmered softly, carrying the peaceful contentment of his dreams.

I shifted carefully, not wanting to wake either of them. Through both bonds, I could feel their exhaustion—the toll of constant vigilance and magical strain finally catching up with them. The silver and gold patterns beneath my skin hadstabilized during my rest, no longer the chaotic swirls of new magic but something more controlled and harmonious.

I studied their sleeping faces, feeling a profound sense of belonging that went beyond the magical bonds connecting us. Heart's usual tension had smoothed away in sleep, making him look younger despite the responsibilities he carried. Chi's ears twitched occasionally, his dreams carrying him through the spaces between realities even now.

The chamber was quiet except for their breathing and the soft hum of the Sanctuary's crystalline walls. Through the bonds, I sensed no immediate danger—just the peaceful rhythm of two souls finally allowing themselves to rest. My own strength had returned during sleep, the silver and gold patterns pulsing with renewed vitality.

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