Page 44 of King of Clubs

I’d let her take mine as well.

I stared up at our reflection, remembering the last time I’d let a woman take something from me.

It had cost me dearly...

And all of Wonderland was paying for it.

I glanced down at my pinky ring, guilt and shame taunting me, reminding me of what a fool I’d been. What a fool I stillwas.

Whatever I’d just started with Alice, it had to end here.

I kept stroking her hair with one hand, and wound the excess length of her leash around the other. I wouldn’t let myself fall asleep until my pet was locked safe in her cage.

She nuzzled against my chest and let out a contented sigh, making me wonder if I was being too cautious. Would it really be so awful to let this exquisite creature sleep in my bed?

I didn’t know. That was the problem.

Callister was right about one thing—this Alice was completely different from all the others.

She was a weakness.

The same kind of weakness that put my friends Hatter and Chess at risk. I hoped that wherever they were, they were safe.

* * *

ChapterSeven

CHESS

Chained in the Red Queen's dungeon, Hatter sat beside me in our shared cell, his eyes filled with madness and despair. Callister had been taken away by the Red Queen's guards earlier, and we both knew what awaited him. It was only a matter of time before he’d be tortured for information.

Information about Alice.

I had a plan, but I didn’t dare say it out loud until I knew I could put it into action. It was dangerous, reckless even, but it was our only chance at freedom.

As the minutes ticked by, I felt my demon powers slowly returning. Magic coursed through me, growing stronger with each passing moment. The sensation was like a warm embrace, surging through my veins, reigniting the demon within.

My heart raced with anticipation as I realized that the cold metal chains binding me to the damp stone wall had stopped chafing my skin.

Good.

I was back to healing myself on demand.

Now it was time for action.

Taking a deep breath, I focused on my truest, purest form, a creature that belonged neither to the earth nor the air. I wasn’t born from flesh and bone. I wasn’t born of water or fire.

Cheshire Cat demons belonged to the ether.

Channeling all my newfound strength into freeing myself, I lifted my arms and watched the chains fall through my semi-transparent wrists. With a resounding clang, the metal cuffs hit the filthy stone floor, freeing me from their oppressive hold.

“Curiouser and curiouser,” Hatter breathed, staring at me in wonder. “Does this mean you’re back to full strength?”

“Yes. Are you ready for a little chaos, my friend?” I asked, a wicked grin on my face.

"Always," he responded. His blue eye began to gleam with excitement.

“Stay quiet," I warned as I floated onto my feet. “Freeing you won’t be nearly as easy."

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