Page 21 of Knot My Wonderland

"Better," Cheshire said, his smile approving despite the intensity in his eyes. "You're learning quickly."

I exhaled shakily, the tension in my muscles easing as he released the command. "That was... intense."

"And that was just me being gentle," Cheshire said, offering a hand to help me up.

I hesitated before taking it, surprised by the solidity of his grip. His hand was warm, almost fever-hot, and I could feel a subtle vibration through his skin—like the purr of a cat translated into human form.

"A true Alpha in full command mode would be much more difficult to resist," he continued as he pulled me to my feet. "Especially one who wants to claim you."

I brushed dirt from my knees, trying to hide how shaken I felt. "So I need to practice more."

"Much more," the Hatter agreed, stepping forward. "But you've shown remarkable aptitude for a first attempt."

"Indeed," Cheshire purred, those teal eyes studying me with renewed interest. "Most Omegas would have submitted completely to even that gentle push. You fought back."

I straightened my shoulders, a small flicker of pride warming my chest. "I've never been good at doing what I was told.”

Cheshire's grin widened, exposing those sharp fangs. "A dangerous quality in your world, perhaps. But in Wonderland? It might just keep you alive."

The Hatter nodded, his wild eyes softening slightly. "We'll continue training tomorrow. For now, you should rest. The first touch of Wonderland's magic can be... draining."

As if his words had summoned it, exhaustion crashed over me like a wave. My limbs suddenly felt heavy, and the silver glow that had traced my veins earlier seemed to pulse with a dull ache.

"I do feel strange," I admitted, swaying slightly on my feet.

Cheshire moved with liquid grace, appearing at my side before I could stumble. "The magic is settling into your bones," he explained, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Your body is changing to accommodate it."

"Changing how exactly?" I asked, alarmed by the weariness spreading through my limbs.

"Nothing too dramatic," the Hatter assured me, offering his arm for support. "You won't grow a tail or extra eyes, if that's your concern."

Cheshire chuckled, the sound vibrating in the air around us. "Pity. A tail can be quite useful."

I glared at him, but there was no real heat behind it. "Seriously, what changes should I expect?"

"Your senses will sharpen," the Hatter explained as we began walking back toward the house. "You'll feel Wonderland more acutely—its moods, its dangers, its desires. Your reflexes will improve. And your connection to the currents will strengthen."

"Your Omega traits will intensify as well," Cheshire added, keeping pace beside us. "Your instincts will become more acute, including those related to nesting, bonding, and defense." His teal eyes flickered over me with an appraising glance. "The scent you produce will become more potent too—which is why you'll need to master control quickly."

I stumbled slightly, my legs feeling like lead weights. The Hatter tightened his grip on my arm, steadying me.

"Is this normal?" I asked, my voice sounding distant to my own ears. "Feeling this... drained?"

"Perfectly normal," the Hatter assured me. "The first touch of Wonderland's magic always demands a toll. Sleep is how the body adapts."

We reached the house, which seemed to shift and rearrange itself as we approached, doors and windows moving to accommodate our return. Inside, everything felt warmer, more vivid—colors deeper, scents richer, sounds sharper. The magic had already begun changing my perceptions.

"I need to lie down," I murmured, the room tilting slightly around me.

"I've prepared a room for you," the Hatter said, guiding me toward a narrow staircase that curved like a question mark. "One better suited for an Omega coming into her power."

Cheshire followed, his movements silent as shadow. "I'll check the perimeter," he said, his playful tone replaced by something more serious. "The forest has been restless since her arrival….and Alice?”

I titled my head as he gave me a sharp grin, “My name is Chi…you can use that name instead of my title.” I wanted to ask what that meant, but exhaustion had claimed my voice. The Hatter led me up the twisting stairs to a room I hadn't seen before. Unlike the spare chamber I'd woken in earlier, this one seemed designed specifically for comfort and security.

The walls were lined with soft fabrics in shades of blue and silver that reminded me of the night sky. The bed was large and low to the ground, surrounded by plush cushions and blankets of various textures. Alcoves were built into the walls, perfect for storing personal items, and the windows were high and narrow—letting in light while being difficult to access from outside.

"This is an Omega sanctuary," the Hatter explained, his voice gentler than I'd heard it before. "I had it prepared while you slept that first night."

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