Page 60 of Knot My Wonderland: Part Two
"But a lot can happen in three days," I whispered, the pattern beneath my skin darkening with my worry. "Especially with her and how much manpower she has…and the things I saw she could make.”
The Tweedles exchanged a glance, their silver eyes reflecting calculations I couldn't begin to comprehend. Through our bond, I sensed their concern—not just for me, but for the broader temporal implications of whatever the Queen was doing.
"We've been monitoring ripples in the time-stream," Vee admitted, his voice carrying harmonics that made the air itself seem to vibrate. "There haven’t been too many disturbances…we have time.”
I felt a surge of relief at Vee's words, even as the weight of responsibility continued to press down on me. "That's something, at least," I murmured, taking another sip of the moonflower tea. Its warmth spread deeper through me, coaxing the pattern's light to pulse more steadily beneath my skin.
Heart's thumb traced gentle circles on the back of my hand, his golden patterns mingling with mine. "You need to trust us, Alice. We've been fighting the Queen's influence for centuries. We understand what we're up against."
"I do trust you," I said, meeting his ruby gaze. "It's myself I worry about. What if all this training still isn't enough? What if I freeze when the moment comes?"
Chi settled on my other side, his tail curling protectively around my wrist. "Then we'll be there to steady you. That's what the bonds are for," he reminded me. "Not just magical connection, but emotional support."
The pattern beneath my skin pulsed in agreement, its silver and gold light flowing more harmoniously as Chi's words resonated with something deep within me. Through our bonds, I felt their collective certainty—not blind faith, but confidence based on what they'd seen me accomplish over the past three weeks.
"I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?" I asked, a small smile finally finding its way to my lips.
"Not ridiculous," Dee corrected, his silver eyes softening. "Human. You're carrying a burden that would overwhelm most people. Your concerns are valid."
"But unnecessary," Vee added, his lips quirking in a rare smile. "The temporal probabilities favor our success far more now than when we began."
Heart squeezed my hand gently. "Finish your tea, then you can have a bath while someone makes dinner for all of us.” He stood up giving me a small smile, ‘I’ll start getting the bath ready so take your time.”
I watched Heart disappear into the adjoining bathroom, the sound of running water soon filling the quiet cabin. The moonflower tea had worked wonders, the pattern beneath my skin now pulsing with steady, harmonious waves rather than the erratic flickers of before.
"I'll prepare something to eat," Chi offered, his tail unwrapping from my wrist as he stood. "Something substantial—you need to replenish more than just magical energy."
The Tweedles exchanged another of their silent communications before Vee spoke. "We'll adjust tomorrow'straining schedule to focus on integration rather than new techniques. Less taxing, but equally valuable."
"Thank you," I said, feeling genuine gratitude warm me from within. "All of you. I know I'm not the easiest student."
Dee's lips twitched in that subtle way that passed for a smile with him. "On the contrary. Your learning curve is unprecedented. Your difficulty comes not from inability but from demanding too much of yourself too quickly."
I finished the last of the tea, feeling the warmth settle deep in my bones. The pattern's light beneath my skin had stabilized completely, pulsing with renewed vigor. "Is it always like this? The pattern, I mean. Does it always... respond to emotions this way?"
"Yes and no," Vee said, his silver eyes thoughtful. "The pattern always resonates with its bearer's emotional state, but the degree of synchronicity you've achieved is rare. Most bearers maintain more separation between their consciousness and the pattern's awareness."
"You've integrated more deeply than anyone since the First Queen," Chi added from where he was preparing food. "It's why your progress has been so rapid, but also why exhaustion affects you so profoundly."
I nodded, absorbing this information as I set the empty mug aside. Through our bonds, I felt their collective concern wrapped in affection—not judgment for my limitations, but care for my wellbeing. It struck me suddenly how fortunate I was to have found them, how different this might have been if I'd faced the pattern's awakening alone.
"The bath is ready," Heart called from the adjoining room, his voice carrying notes of golden warmth that made the pattern beneath my skin pulse with anticipation.
"Go," Chi urged, his tail flicking toward the bathroom. "The food will be ready when you're done.”
I rose, feeling steadier than before, and made my way to the bathroom. Steam filled the small space, carrying the scent of something floral and soothing—not roses or lavender, but something uniquely Wonderlandian that made the pattern beneath my skin hum with recognition.
Heart stood beside the filled tub, his golden patterns glowing softly in the steam-filled room. "Moonflower petals in the water," he explained, gesturing to the iridescent blooms floating on the surface. "They'll help continue what the tea started."
"Thank you," I said, suddenly aware of how intimate this moment felt. Heart seemed to sense my hesitation, his ruby eyes softening with understanding.
"I'll give you privacy," he offered, moving toward the door. "Call if you need anything."
Something in me didn't want him to leave. Perhaps it was the lingering vulnerability from magical exhaustion, or maybe the growing certainty about what these bonds truly meant. Either way, I found myself reaching for his hand before he could step away.
"Stay," I said softly. "Just... turn around for a moment."
Heart's golden patterns pulsed brighter, but he nodded, turning to face the wall without comment. I quickly undressed, slipping into the steaming water with a sigh of relief. The moonflower petals released their essence as I settled, their iridescent glow merging with the pattern's light beneath my skin.
