Page 95 of Knot My Wonderland

Dee nodded, his dreamy expression becoming more focused. "We have felt the pull since your arrival, but the timing must be right. Fire and air needed to stabilize first."

I studied their faces, seeing past their usual cryptic demeanor to something deeper—a longing that mirrored what I'd sensed in Chi and Heart before our bonds formed. The silver and gold patterns beneath my skin pulsed with growing recognition.

"You're the water and earth anchors," I said, certainty flowing through both my existing bonds. "That's why you've been watching, waiting."

"Water flows where it's needed," Dee replied, his voice unusually direct. "But it cannot force its path."

"Earth provides foundation," Vee added, his monocle flickering with complex patterns. "But only when the structure is ready to bear the weight."

Dee looked over me with eyes that seem to read my very soul, “Though, bonding now isn’t a good idea. Not when you are tired and just formed two bonds in such a short time.”

Vee gave a hum of agreement, “Yes. Your magic needs to settle into those bonds before anything else happens.”

I felt a mix of disappointment and relief flow through me at their words. The silver and gold patterns beneath my skin had been reaching toward them with increasing intensity, but Vee was right—I could feel the strain of managing two powerful bonds while still recovering from yesterday's energy transfer to Chi.

"How long should I wait?" I asked, settling back against the pillows as exhaustion pulled at the edges of my consciousness.

"The pattern will tell you," Dee said gently, his opalescent robes shifting as he moved to stand beside Vee. "When the fire and air bonds have fully integrated, water and earth will flow naturally."

Heart's hand tightened around mine, golden patterns pulsing with concern. "A few days, at minimum," he said, his strategic mind calculating the magical strain I was under. "The bonds need time to settle before adding more complexity."

Chi nodded agreement, his ears twitching, “You also don’t want to make a bond too quickly. I think getting to know the Tweedles will be good for you as we make preparations for what the Red Queen will do.”

Heart nodded in agreement as he muttered under his breath, but I could hear him just fine, “Better than leaving you in the hands of the Spade King.”

Vee's silver monocle flashed as he caught Heart's muttered comment. "The shadows have their own purpose," he observed, his tone neutral but carrying an undercurrent of warning.

"Not all darkness seeks to consume," Dee added, his dreamy voice somehow managing to sound both cryptic and pointed. "Some, merely wish to protect what light remains."

I felt Heart's irritation flare through our bond, the golden patterns briefly intensifying against my skin. Chi's tail twitched with amusement, his teal eyes watching the exchange with interest.

"The King of Spades has his own agenda," Heart said firmly. "One that may not align with Alice's wellbeing."

"All have agendas," Vee replied, adjusting his monocle as data scrolled across its surface. "Even princes."

"Even Cheshires," Dee finished with a knowing look before he sighed, “We shall bid you good day. We just wished to speak to you Little Dreamer. Just so you know where we stand.”

The two moved to leave but stopped and glanced back at me, “Do well to have someone with you. There are spies everywhere….”

Then they left me sitting there, not knowing what those parting words could mean fully.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Alice

The weight of the Tweedles' warning settled over the chamber like a shroud. Through both bonds, I felt Chi and Heart's immediate alertness, their protective instincts sharpening to razor focus.

"Spies," Heart repeated grimly, his hand tightening around mine as golden patterns flared with territorial heat. "In the Sanctuary itself."

Chi's form flickered slightly, his consciousness already spreading through the spaces between realities to search for hidden presences. "The Sanctuary's barriers should prevent unauthorized entry," he said, though his tail lashed with growing concern. "Unless someone with legitimate access is feeding information elsewhere."

I pressed my free hand to my chest where the silver and gold patterns pulsed with agitated energy. The ward consciousnessstirred within me, suddenly hyper-aware of every shadow, every flicker of movement beyond the crystalline walls.

"We will have to stay on guard…and as they said. You shouldn’t be alone.” Chi spoke up, eyes locked on the door that the Tweedles had left through.

"I hate the idea of being constantly watched," I sighed, though I knew they were right. The silver and gold patterns beneath my skin swirled with anxious energy, responding to my unease.

Heart's ruby eyes softened with understanding. "We'll make sure you have privacy when you need it. This isn't about controlling you—it's about keeping you safe while we identify the threat."

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