Page 81 of Knot My Wonderland

When Heart and Chi entered the workshop, I was once again the inscrutable King of Spades, revealing nothing beyond what served my purposes. Varik's knowing gaze followed me as I moved to join the strategy discussion, but he kept our conversation to himself—another reason why, despite his irritating nature, I had allowed him to live when so many others had fallen to my shadows.

"The devices are ready," Varik announced, lifting the case with theatrical flair. "Seven reality disruptors, synchronized to my personal chronometer. When I trigger the sequence, you'll have exactly thirty seconds to clear the blast radius."

Chi's form flickered slightly as he examined one of the crystalline devices through the case's transparent lid. "They're smaller than I expected."

"Size is irrelevant when you're tearing holes in space-time," Varik replied cheerfully. "These beauties will collapse the anchor points so thoroughly that the Blood Mages won't be able to reestablish their ritual for hours. Possibly days, depending on how many backup power sources they've prepared."

Heart studied the tactical implications, ruby eyes tracking possibilities across his mental battlefield. "How long will you need at each location, Chi?"

"Thirty seconds per device," Chi calculated, his tail curling thoughtfully."That puts me at each anchor point for exactly the time needed to avoid the blast radius. Tight timing, but manageable."

"The diversions will need to be perfectly coordinated," Heart added, his strategic mind already working through the complexities. "My fighters will have to engage the Blood Mages' attention at precisely the right moments."

I stepped forward, shadows coiling around the case as I studied Varik's handiwork. "The anchor points are heavily warded against conventional magical attacks. But these devices..." I let my darkness probe the crystalline surfaces, feeling the chaotic energy contained within. "They operate on principles the Blood Mages won't recognize. Clever, Hatter."

"I do try," Varik preened, adjusting his hat with obvious satisfaction. "Though I should mention—there may be some minor side effects from the reality tares. Temporal displacement, gravitational anomalies, the occasional sentient shadow. Nothing to worry about, really."

Chi's tail whipped with irritation. "Define 'nothing to worry about’, Varik."

"Well, the effects should be quite localized," Varik replied, waving a dismissive hand. "Probably won't spread beyond a mile or two. And they'll dissipate within a few days. Probably."

Heart pinched the bridge of his nose, ruby eyes flashing with exasperation. "Is there any chance these 'side effects' could harm civilians?"

"Minimal," Varik assured him, though his wild eyes gleamed with an enthusiasm that did little to inspire confidence. "Anyone within the blast radius will experience some disorientation, possibly minor hallucinations. The shadows might whisper existential truths for a while. But nothing permanently damaging."

"Existential truths," I repeated dryly, shadows flickering with what might have been amusement. "The Blood Mages might actually find that more disturbing than physical damage."

Chi's form rippled with impatience. "Whatever the side effects, we're running out of time." His teal eyes flicked to the chronometer on Varik's workbench. "The Blood Mages will complete their ritual formation within the hour."

"Then we move now," Heart declared, his ruby eyes hardening with resolve. "Martha has already assembled the strike teams. Each group will create a diversion at a specified anchor point, drawing attention away from Chi as he places the devices."

I watched as Varik handed the case to Chi, noting the way Cheshire's form solidified further as he accepted the responsibility. Through the bond he shared with Alice, I could sense his determination—and beneath it, a fierce protectiveness that bordered on possessiveness. The foundational bond was stronger than I had anticipated, already changing both of them in subtle ways.

"While you're out saving the world," I said, shadows shifting around me like restless serpents, "I'll ensure Alice remains protected within the Sanctuary. The Red Queen may attempt more... direct approaches when she realizes her Blood Mages are under attack."

Heart's jaw tightened, ruby eyes flashing with barely contained territoriality. "If anything happens to her—"

"Yes, yes, terrible vengeance, eternal suffering, creative dismemberment," I interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. "Your concern is noted, Prince of Hearts.”

Chi's tail lashed once before he phased partially out of reality, the case of devices becoming translucent in his grip. "I'll maintain contact through our bond," he told the room, though his eyes remained fixed on me. "If Alice experiences anydistress while I'm gone, I'll abandon the mission and return immediately."

"The mission comes first," Heart said sharply, his strategic mind overriding personal concerns. "Too many lives depend on stopping those Blood Mages."

"Alice comes first," Chi corrected, his form flickering with barely contained energy. "Always."

I felt a flicker of something that might have been respect for Cheshire's unwavering priorities. The bond was proving stronge—strong enough that Chi would sacrifice tactical objectives for Alice's wellbeing without hesitation.

"The devices will work regardless of who places them," I pointed out, shadows coiling with quiet suggestion. "If Cheshire feels compelled to return, I could complete the placement myself."

Chi's form solidified instantly, teal eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. "Absolutely not."

"The shadows can reach the anchor points as easily as phase-shifting," I continued, watching his protective instincts flare. "Perhaps more efficiently."

"No." Chi's voice carried harmonics that made the crystalline walls vibrate. "I don't trust your definition of 'completing the mission,' Your Majesty."

Heart stepped between us, ruby eyes calculating. "Chi places the devices. That's final." His gaze shifted to me, hard with warning. "And you stay exactly where Alice can see you at all times."

I inclined my head with apparent acquiescence, though shadows flickered with amusement. The Prince of Hearts was learning to think tactically about more than just battlefield maneuvers. His protective instincts were sharpening, recognizing threats that went beyond conventional warfare.

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