Echoes of Wonderland

Swirling chess

Chloe's POV

The first rays of morning light filter softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. I slowly wake, feeling the comforting weight of Red's body pressed against mine. Her steady breathing and the warmth of her embrace have been a soothing balm through the night.

As I open my eyes, the urgency of our mission comes rushing back. I shift slightly, careful not to disturb Red too much. She stirs a bit but doesn't wake, her head nestled comfortably against my shoulder. I gently untangle myself from her arms, mindful of not waking her just yet. We don't have a moment to waste.

After quietly stretching and gathering my thoughts, I take a deep breath and head to the kitchen. I prepare a quick breakfast, hoping to provide some fuel for the day's efforts. The familiar routine of making coffee and arranging some fruit on a plate brings a small sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

While I'm preparing breakfast, I hear Red's desperate voice calling my name from the living room.

- Chloe! - Red yells.

I quickly drop everything and rush to her.

- Chloe! Fuck, don't do this to me again!

As I enter the living room, I see Red looking around frantically, her gaze full of panic and fear, tears welling up in her eyes.

- Hey, hey! It's okay. - I say, approaching her. - I'm here.

When she spots me, she sprints toward me and pulls me into a tight embrace, as if she needs to feel me close to know I'm real.

- What's wrong, bae? - I ask, hugging her just as tightly.

- I thought you might have been taken again. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you and you going through hell because I fell asleep. - She says against my neck, her tears soaking my shirt as she clings to me.

- I'm okay, Red. That's not going to happen. - I try to reassure her. - And when it did happen, it wasn't your fault. I don't blame you.

- But it was! If I hadn't fallen asleep, the VKs wouldn't have had the chance to lay their disgusting hands on you. I—

I cut her off.

- Hey! Stop it, bae. - I say firmly. - It wasn't your fault, nothing was. I made you change guarding turns. Just forget about it.

- I can't lose you, Chloe, ever. - Red pulls away slightly, and we end up face to face. - You were dead in my arms. DEAD. There's no way I can forget that.

- But I'm here now. And I'm not going anywhere, alright? - I say, gently pecking her lips. - Now, enough yapping. You need to eat something before we start our mission.

- Mission? - Red asks, confused.

- Yes. We need to go get Maddox and ask for his help. - I reply, guiding her into the kitchen and handing her a sandwich.

- Shouldn't I be the one feeding you? You never eat when you're upset. - She says, taking a bite.

- I'm not upset. I'm scared, nervous, anxious, and freaking out a little. - I say, my eyes widening as I lose a bit of patience.

- Same shit. Eat up, princess. I don't care if everyone dies; we're not leaving for Maddox until you eat something. - Red retorts, though her tone softens with concern.

---

The drive to Wonderland is filled with a mix of urgency and anticipation. Red's hands grip the steering wheel with determined focus, her eyes scanning the road ahead. The tension between us is palpable, but I can't help but feel a spark of excitement. This is my first time visiting Wonderland, and despite the chaos, a part of me is eager to see the place that shaped Red's childhood.