Page 63 of Knot My Wonderland: Part Two
Chi's tail lashed with mild irritation. "It was the most effective way to gather intelligence. The Queen never suspected a guard with 'mobility issues' might be a spy.”
Heart laughed, the sound warming the cabin. "He wore this ridiculous helmet with extra padding to hide his ears. Walked with a pronounced limp to explain why he kept his tail wrapped around his leg beneath his uniform."
"For three years," Vee added, his usually serious expression lightened with reminiscence. "Until a blood hound from the Queen's kennel recognized his scent."
I looked at Chi with newfound appreciation. "That's... incredibly brave. And a little insane."
Chi shrugged, though his ears perked up at my assessment. "Necessary risks my dear…necessary risks. It also helped that I knew it would anger her greatly.”
"You infiltrated the Queen's guard out of spite?" I asked, genuinely impressed despite myself.
"Partially," Chi admitted, his tail swishing in quick flicks at my reaction. "Though the intelligence we gathered was invaluable. We learned about her blood magic experiments, her plans for territorial expansion, and the locations of several hidden strongholds."
"And nearly got yourself executed in the process," Heart added, though his tone carried fond exasperation rather than true criticism.
Through our bonds, I felt the echo of old fear—not Chi's, but the others' terror when his cover had been blown. The memory rippled through our connections like a stone cast into still water, carrying impressions of desperate rescue plans and barely successful escapes.
"We all take necessary risks," Dee said quietly, his silver eyes meeting mine with pointed meaning. "The key is ensuring they're truly necessary, not born from guilt or self-doubt."
I felt my cheeks warm under Dee's pointed gaze, knowing his words were meant for me. "Point taken," I murmured, reaching for my cup of moonflower tea. The pattern beneath my skin pulsed with acknowledgment, silver and gold light dancing in more harmonious configurations.
"We're not criticizing your dedication," Heart said gently, his ruby eyes softening. "Just reminding you that martyrdom isn't the answer. The First Queen tried facing threats alone—that's partly what led to Wonderland's current state."
"Besides," Chi added, his tail flicking with amusement, "five people would be rather put out if you went and got yourself killed unnecessarily."
I nearly choked on my tea, heat flooding my face at his casual reference to our evolving relationship status. "You'reimpossible," I muttered, though there was no heat in the accusation as I continued to concentrate on my food.
We finished dinner with lighter conversation, sharing stories that carefully avoided any mention of the Queen or the coming confrontation. The Tweedles recounted adventures from centuries past, while Heart described Wonderland as it had been before the corruption spread—vibrant courts united by celebration rather than divided by fear. Chi added colorful details to their tales, his storytelling animated by expressive gestures and the occasional theatrical flick of his tail.
By the time we finished the meal, I felt relaxed in a way I hadn't yet experienced since entering the pocket. The pattern beneath my skin pulsed with steady, harmonious waves, fully recovered from the day's exhaustion. Through our bonds, I felt their collective satisfaction at my improved condition—not just magical recovery, but emotional centering.
"Thank you for this," I said as Chi cleared the last of the dishes. "All of it. The bath, the meal... I needed it more than I realized."
"That's what bonds are for," Heart replied, his golden patterns brightening with pleasure. "Support when you need it most, even when you're too stubborn to ask." Winking at me he reached for the dinner debris. "I'll clean up," Heart offered, beginning to gather plates. "You should rest."
"I can help," I protested, reaching for my own dish.
Chi's tail wrapped gently around my wrist, stopping me. "You've done enough today. Let us take care of things for once."I relented, settling back in my chair as the others moved around me, clearing the table with practiced efficiency. The domesticity of the scene struck me suddenly—how natural it felt to be here with them, sharing space and responsibilities as if we'd been doing it for years rather than a couple weeks.
I smiled as I looked around one more time before retreating back to my room, my heart much lighter than it has been since we entered the pocket space.
Chapter
Twenty-Six
ALICE
Given how tired I was I couldn’t seem to fall asleep and I tried everything, even counting sheep, but nothing worked. With a dramatic sigh, I sat up, and made my way through the silent cabin. Hopefully being outside I can think and make myself tired. I moved to the tree that wasn't that far away, rested my back against it, and looked at the dark sky with stars. Even though this was a time pocket, but it still had days and nights.
The pattern beneath my skin pulsed gently in the starlight, silver and gold threads weaving lazy spirals across my arms as I sat beneath the crystal tree. The artificial night sky above was beautiful in its own way—constellations that shifted slowly, painting stories across the darkness that seemed to respond to my emotional state.
I'd thought the evening's warmth and companionship would’ve settled my restless mind, but instead it had stirred up new questions. Three days left in the pocket. Three days before we returned to face whatever chaos the Queen had sown in our absence. Three days before I had to complete the Void bond withSeth. The thought of Seth made the incomplete connection pulse with anticipation, shadows gathering at the edges of my vision despite the starlight. Even here, in this protected space, I could feel his presence like a distant echo—patient, watchful, waiting for my decision.
"Can't sleep either?" I jumped at the sudden sound of Hearts.. I blinked up at him standing there with an eyebrow raised as he looked at me.
"You startled me," I said, pressing a hand to my racing heart. "I thought everyone was asleep."
Heart settled beside me beneath the crystal tree, his golden patterns casting warm light against the silver bark. "The bonds make it difficult to rest when one of us is restless," he explained gently. "Your thoughts have been... active."
