Echoes of Wonderland

Love in the dark

Red's POV

As Chloe slips away to investigate the town, I remain hidden in the narrow vent, straining to hear every word Maddox mutters to himself. The dark magic swirling around the room is almost suffocating, but I force myself to stay focused. If I can just learn more about this anchor, maybe—just maybe—we can put an end to all of this.

Maddox continues to pace, his boots clacking against the stone floor. His voice is a low, fervent murmur, like he's having a conversation with someone only he can see. I shift slightly in the vent, trying to get a better view of the artifacts scattered across the room, but the angle is difficult. My muscles ache from the cramped position, but I can't afford to move too much. One wrong sound, and I'll be discovered.

I squint through the slits of the vent, scanning the room. Dark symbols are etched into the walls, glowing faintly with an unsettling energy. On a table near the center of the room, various items are laid out—arcane objects that practically hum with power. My eyes linger on a particularly ornate clock, its hands moving in an unnatural rhythm. Could this be part of the anchor? Or just another piece of Maddox's twisted collection?

I'm so focused on trying to figure it out that I almost don't hear the faint sound behind me—footsteps, getting closer. My heart skips a beat, and I freeze, listening intently. The footsteps stop just outside the vent, and for a moment, there's nothing but silence. Then, without warning, the vent cover is yanked away, and I'm blinded by the sudden rush of light.

- Got her! - A guard shouts, grabbing my legs and dragging me out of the vent before I can react. I thrash, trying to break free, but it's no use.

More guards swarm me, pinning my arms behind my back and hauling me to my feet. Panic surges through me as they drag me toward Maddox's chamber.

- No! Let me go! - I struggle against their grip, but they're too strong, their hands like iron cuffs around my wrists.

They pull me into the chamber, throwing me roughly onto the cold, hard floor. My body hits the ground with a thud, the impact knocking the air from my lungs.

Before I can recover, they yank me up and shove me into a heavy chair in the center of the room. I try to fight, but they quickly chain my wrists to the armrests, the cold metal biting into my skin. I'm trapped, helpless, as they step back, their eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. Maddox finally turns to face me, a twisted smile spreading across his face.

- Well, well, well. - He says, his voice dripping with mockery. - Look who's decided to drop in. I must say, Red, I didn't expect you to be so bold—or so foolish.

I glare at him, refusing to show any fear.

- You won't get away with this, Maddox. Chloe and I will stop you.

- Oh, I'm sure you'll try. - His smile widens, and he chuckles darkly. - You see, Red, this isn't just about power or control. It's about legacy, about ensuring that my name is remembered long after you and your little rebellion are forgotten.

He pauses, walking to my direction before continuing his speach.

- And you, my dear, are going to help me do that. - He leans closer, his eyes burning with a fanatical light. - Whether you like it or not.

- I'd rather die than help you. - I tug at the chains, but they don't budge.

Maddox's smile fades, replaced by a cold, calculating expression.

- Oh, I don't intend to kill you, Red. Not yet, anyway. You're much more valuable alive, especially if I can break that stubborn spirit of yours. You're going to watch as I reshape Auradon in my image, and when I'm done, you'll beg to join me.