Page 113 of Knot My Wonderland

"Such noble self-sacrifice," I said cheerfully, though my wild eyes caught the way his form flickered with barely contained emotion. "And if Alice chooses to form the void bond with you? What happens to your carefully maintained distance then?"

The silence stretched between us, filled only by the humming of my devices and the distant crystalline harmonies of the Sanctuary. Seth's shadows coiled tighter, betraying the depth of his uncertainty despite his controlled expression.

"The void bond would change everything," he finally admitted. "There would be no more careful manipulation, no more strategic distance. She would see every choice I've made, every calculation that kept me isolated from the rest of Wonderland. But right now we have one objective…and that’s tofind those who would harm Alice here.” Seth said changing the subject. I chuckled but let him have the subject change.

"Of course," I agreed, turning back to my array of detection devices with renewed focus. "Though I must say, your ability to deflect personal conversations is truly artistic. Years of practice, I assume?"

Seth's shadows rippled with what might have been amusement. "Centuries, actually. But you're right—we have more immediate concerns." He moved closer to examine my primary detector, his darkness creating fascinating interferencepatterns with the crystalline components. "How long before we can begin testing?"

I consulted a pocket watch that seemed to tick multiple time signatures simultaneously. "Another four hours should suffice for magical stabilization. Though I recommend we start with the secondary device—the resonance detector. Less invasive for our initial screening."

"And if someone refuses the thirty-second contact requirement?" Seth asked, his shadows coiling with predatory interest.

"Then we know exactly who to examine more closely," I replied cheerfully. Seth shook his head.

“You are telling that to the Prince.” This caused me to laugh as he gave me one last look before disappearing into the shadows.

Chapter Forty-Two

Heart

Istood inside the room with my fighters around me, annoyance coursing with me at the briefing Varik and the Spade King had given me before we entered the room. I didn’t like how this would go but it was going to be needed.

"Alright, everyone," I called out, my voice carrying the authority earned through years of leading desperate raids and impossible missions. The golden patterns beneath my skin pulsed with controlled tension as I surveyed the assembled fighters—men and women who'd followed me through hell itself, now potentially harboring enemies in their midst.

Martha stepped forward, her scarred face impassive but alert. Through the protective shadow magic Seth had placed on her years ago, she appeared completely normal to my enhanced senses—no corruption, no foreign influence. Just the steady, reliable lieutenant who'd saved my life more times than I could count.

"Sir?" she prompted, noting my hesitation.

"We're implementing enhanced security protocols," I announced, hating how the words tasted like betrayal on my tongue. "After the recent attacks, we need to verify that everyone with access to sensitive information hasn't been compromised by enemy magic."

"How certain are we?" she asked, her voice carrying the authority of a leader. Even as a beta she had more Alpha leadership qualities.

I met Martha's gaze directly, seeing the understanding in her eyes. She'd been with the resistance long enough to know the implications of what I wasn't saying.

"Certain enough that we can't afford to take chances," I replied, the golden patterns beneath my skin flickering with the weight of command decisions. "Varik has developed detection methods that can identify blood magic corruption. Everyone in this room will be tested."

A murmur ran through the assembled fighters—some concerned, others indignant. I raised my hand for silence, feeling their emotions through the bond that connected me to Alice even at this distance. Her strength flowed through our connection, steadying my resolve.

"I know this feels like a violation of trust," I continued, my voice carrying both authority and regret. "But we've identified at least three sources of blood magic corruption within the Sanctuary. Someone we've welcomed, someone we've trusted, has been feeding information to the enemy."

The murmur grew louder, anger mixing with fear as the implications sank in. I watched their faces carefully, noting who seemed genuinely shocked versus those whose reactions felt rehearsed or calculated.

"Sir," called out Marcus, one of my newer recruits, his voice tight with concern. "What kind of testing are we talking about? Some of us have... complicated magical histories."

"The process is non-invasive," I assured him, though I could feel my own discomfort with the partial truth. "Varik's devices can detect corruption without causing harm. But it does require direct contact."

"And if someone refuses?" asked Elena, a veteran fighter whose loyalty I'd never questioned until now.

The question hung in the air like a blade. I felt the golden patterns beneath my skin pulse with territorial heat as I considered my response.

"Then we'll know exactly where to focus our attention.” Chi muttered loud enough for everyone to hear as he materialized beside me. His form, solid and imposing as he surveyed the assembled fighters. His unexpected appearance caused several to step back, the patterns dancing across his skin casting an ethereal glow across the chamber.

"This isn't optional," I added, grateful for Chi's blunt intervention. "The pattern is at stake. Alice's safety is at stake."

Martha nodded firmly, stepping forward with the decisive action that had made her my most trusted lieutenant. "I'll go first," she announced, her scarred face resolute as she turned to address the others. "If the commander needs to verify our magical signatures, then that's what we do. No questions, no hesitation."

I felt a surge of gratitude for her leadership, even as the knowledge of Seth's secret protection made my stomach twist. How many other decisions had been made for me without my knowledge?

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