Echoes of Wonderland

The night we met

Red's POV

The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the bedroom. My eyes flutter open, and I'm immediately aware of Chloe beneath me, her warm skin pressed against mine. We're both just in our panties, the thin blanket covering us barely keeping out the morning chill. My heart clenches as I look down at her peaceful face, still asleep. I wish I could let this moment last forever, hold on to this fleeting sense of peace. But the weight of the truth I'm hiding gnaws at me, making it impossible to truly relax.

Chloe stirs, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly wakes. Her eyes meet mine, and she smiles, her hands instinctively wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer.

- Good morning. - She murmurs, her voice husky with sleep.

I force a smile, trying to push down the guilt that's been gnawing at me since last night. It was incredible, the best we've ever had, but deep down, I know it happened for the wrong reasons. I was trying to forget, trying to lose myself in her, to avoid the crushing truth that I can't share with her.

- Morning. - I reply, my voice sounding more cheerful than I feel.

Chloe tilts her head slightly, studying me.

- You okay? - She asks, concern creeping into her voice.

- Yeah. - I lie, nodding. - Just...tired.

She doesn't look convinced.

- Maybe we should take a shower. - I quickly suggest before she can press further. - We're all sweaty and gross from last night.

She chuckles softly, the sound warming me from the inside.

- Good idea.

---

After the shower, we're ready to start the day. Chloe hums quietly to herself as she prepares a simple breakfast with some of the things we picked up yesterday on our way back to the cabin. I sit at the table, trying to appear normal, but the guilt is suffocating. I know I'm hiding something huge from her, something that could destroy us if it came out.

- Breakfast's ready. - Chloe says, her voice steady, but there's an edge to it that wasn't there before.

Chloe places a plate in front of me and sits down across from me.

- So. - She begins. - We should head to Maddox's workshop in Wonderland today. If there's anything important to this spell, it's probably there.

The suggestion hangs in the air, and I feel a wave of dread wash over me. I know we won't find anything there—because the anchor isn't a thing we can find. It's us. Our connection. And if Chloe knew that...

I force myself to respond, keeping my voice as neutral as possible.

- Yeah, yeah, sure... we should. - But even as I say it, the words feel hollow, and I know Chloe can sense it.

She looks at me, a flicker of frustration crossing her face.

- What's going on with you, Red? Yesterday, you were all about finding this anchor, and now you're acting like it's no big deal.

- I just... - I fumble for an excuse, something to deflect her attention. - I don't know if we can make it, Chloe. What if we don't find anything? What if it's all for nothing?

- Since when do you doubt yourself like this? - Chloe's brows furrow, her frustration bubbling to the surface. - You've never been one to just give up.

- I'm not giving up. - I say quickly, trying to backpedal. - I just... I'm tired, okay?