Page 82 of Knot My Wonderland: Part Two
"The bonds should prevent catastrophic backlash," Vee replied, though his clinical tone carried careful uncertainty. "In worst-case scenarios, Heart and Chi would absorb the overflow of magical energy, preventing it from burning out your connection to the pattern permanently."
Heart's hand tightened on my back, his protective instincts flaring through our golden bond. "We won't let that happen," he said firmly, ruby eyes blazing with determination.
"The risk is primarily to us, not you," Chi added, his silver patterns pulsing with resolve. "Better we bear the consequences than lose you entirely."
I felt a pang of guilt at their willingness to sacrifice themselves for my safety. "I don't want either of you hurt because of my limitations."
"It's not about limitations," Heart said gently, his golden warmth flowing through our bond. "It's about using our strengths together. The bonds exist for precisely this purpose—to share burdens that would be impossible alone."
Through our connections, I felt their absolute sincerity. Neither viewed this as sacrifice, but as necessary protection for someone they valued above themselves. The pattern beneath my skin responded to their emotions, silver and gold light intertwining with heightened harmony.
"Alright," I said finally, squaring my shoulders. "If this is our best chance against the Queen, then we'll make it work."
Vee nodded, already turning back to his calculations. "We'll need several hours to finalize the theoretical framework. In the meantime, you should eat and rest. The procedure will require significant energy from all participants."
Heart stood, his golden patterns brightening with purpose. "I'll prepare something to eat. You'll need the strength."
As Heart moved toward the kitchen area, Chi remained beside me, his tail still wrapped protectively around my wrist. Through our silver bond, I sensed his lingering concern beneath his outward acceptance.
"You're still worried," I observed quietly, studying his face.
Chi's ears flicked with acknowledgment, his teal eyes reflecting the complex emotions flowing through our bond. "I'm always worried when it comes to you," he admitted softly, his thumb tracing circles on my wrist where his tail held me. "The completed bond makes it impossible to ignore how much you mean to me."
Through our silver connection, I felt the depth of his fear—not just for the mission, but for losing me specifically. The mating mark on his throat pulsed with anxious energy that made my chest tighten in response.
"I won't take unnecessary risks," I promised, covering his hand with mine. "But you know we have to try this."
"I know," Chi sighed, his tail tightening slightly. "Doesn't make it easier to accept." His silver patterns dimmed with reluctant resignation. "Just... promise me you'll stop if something feels wrong. Don't…Don't push beyond your limits, even if it means we have to try again tomorrow," Chi finished, his teal eyes intense with concern.
I nodded, squeezing his hand. "I promise."
Heart returned with a tray of food—fresh bread, fruit, and something that resembled cheese but glowed with subtle golden light. "Eat," he encouraged, setting the tray before me. "You'll need every bit of strength for what's coming."
As I ate, the Tweedles continued their calculations, occasionally murmuring to each other in technical terms I couldn't follow. The pattern beneath my skin had settled into a steady rhythm, silver and gold light flowing harmoniously where before it had flickered with chaotic energy. The mating marks from both Heart and Chi pulsed in gentle synchronization, a constant reminder of the permanent connections now anchoring me.
"So you've been saying a lot of stuff that sounds important, but also kind of like magical technobabble to me," I said, taking another bite of the glowing cheese-like substance. It tasted like a creamy brie with hints of honey and something exotic I couldn't place. "Can someone translate what exactly we're trying to do into plain English?"
Vee looked up from his equations with a slightly offended expression, but Dee's lips twitched with something almost like humor.
"We're going to teach you to do three things at once," Dee explained, his silver eyes meeting mine. "While letting Heart and Chi provide the power so you don't burn yourself out."
"Like juggling, but with magic," Chi added, his tail swishing with nervous energy. "And we'll be the ones throwing extra balls your way."
Heart returned to the table, setting down a steaming mug of moonflower tea. I took a sip of the steaming liquid, finding it similar to the moonflower tea but with a sharper, more energizing quality. "And if I drop one of these magical balls?"
"That's where the bond network comes in," Heart explained, settling beside me with his own mug. "Chi and I will bemonitoring each working through our connections. If one starts to falter, we can provide additional support or take it over entirely."
"Think of it as magical training wheels," Chi said, though his tone remained serious despite the casual analogy. "We'll be there to catch you if you fall."
I studied their faces, feeling the weight of their concern through our bonds. "And the Queen? What exactly are we preparing to counter?"
The Tweedles exchanged another of their silent communications before Vee spoke. "Her blood magic operates in layers—corruption spells that turn your own power against you, direct attacks that manifest as physical weapons, and protective barriers that shield her from conventional magical assaults."
"All of which she can maintain simultaneously," Dee added, his temporal devices humming with subtle energy. "To counter effectively, you'll need to disrupt her corruption, defend against her weapons, and pierce her shields in a single working."
The magnitude of what they were describing made my stomach tighten with renewed anxiety. "And you really think I can do that?"
"With our help," Heart said firmly, his golden patterns pulsing with absolute conviction. "Yes."
