𝓦𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝓘𝙩 𝓑𝙪𝙧𝙣, 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗖

𝓒𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝓣𝙚𝙣

Chase Redforth's POV

Holding onto Crimson's horse reins, he walked alongside the Wonderland group. Maxwell had taken the lead, guiding everyone else with the map that would show the location of the Well of Wonders. Crimson trotted steadily, nickering gently. He was a stallion with a black coat, he was well-trained and a loyal companion to Chase. "We'll be there soon," he told Crimson.

Scarlett, next to Chase, stroked Crimson's coat. The horse didn't mind, he was used to Scarlett's presence. "He's just as docile as he was in Wonderland," she said, smiling to herself. "He was a gift from my mother to you, no?"

Chase nodded. "And I'm very thankful."

"You know, because we're visiting Wonderland again, there's a chance that we can go to the Red Palace." Really? Chase didn't want to get his hopes up. He and Scarlett had to abandon the Red Palace after the Wonderland Curse, it could be in ruins for all he knew. "You can see your father again and the Red Queen." If they're still alive...

"You don't sound excited to see her Majesty," Chase noted.

"I don't know," Scarlett admitted, shaking her head. She trailed off, grimacing. Perhaps you haven't been the only one doubting their loyalty to the crown, he thought hesitantly. Although Chase was reluctant to confess it, he started having doubts about the true intentions of the Red Queen and whether they were pure or not. It doesn't matter, a voice crept into Chase's mind. You're in the Red Queen's debt, you owe her lest you forget that.

The Red Queen had built Chase and his father a future; a secure life that no one else would give. Loyalty to the crown was not a demand—it was an unspoken requirement. Going back to visit Wonderland was no time to question a knight's undying honour or not.

"Hurry, the Well of Wonder should be behind those trees," Maxwell urged, taking a left turn. They quickly followed and Chase's heart nearly stopped once spotting the Well of Wonders. It was a gray brick well that overflowed with colourful liquid instead of water. It painfully reminded Chase how homesick he has been.

"The water is rainbow?" Dahlia asked uncertainty.

"I assure you, it's normal in Wonderland," Scarlett reassured her. Coming closer to the well, Chase peered over Scarlett's shoulder. Who knows what the depth of the well was. If it was the only unsealed portal left to Wonderland, then they ought to hurry before the well disappeared again.

Maxwell seemed to read Chase's mind, clearing his throat. "Well, there's no time to dally. We need to get into the well before it vanishes."

"So we just, erm, hop in?" Dahlia questioned.

"Well... yeah," Melina replied. "That's Wonderland for you."

Chase patted Crimson, unhooking his reins. "Sorry, I can't take you unless you can magically fit in that tiny well. Go back to Ever After High's stables, you know the way, don't you? I'll be back before you know it."

Crimson nickered, turning back on the path they took to arrive at the Well of Wonders.

Maxwell got closer to the ledge, leaning in. "Well, I suppose we just—" Suddenly, he lost his grasp on the ledge, falling straight into the well. "Aaaaah..." His voice faded out as he was swept away. That's certainly an unconventional way of travel, Chase thought.

"Maxwell!" Dahlia shouted, looking absolutely baffled. Without hesitation, she swung her legs over the ledge and jumped feet-first into the Well of Wonders. Almost immediately, she sank and vanished out of view.

"Well, I guess that's our cue, huh?" Melina held her nose as she dove into the well dauntlessly.

Chase exchanged a glance with Scarlett, holding out his hand. "I suppose I would have to escort the Red Queen." She cracked a smile and grabbed his hand, jumping into the well's waters without a warning.