Lost In Wonderland

Chapter 3

Sunlight cascaded into the room, catching the small dust mites in the air. The sheets on my body felt like heaven, the silk smooth. My head was rising and falling, my cheek resting on a smooth, warm chest.

I slowly opened my eyes, my arm draped across William's torso. He was still asleep, his eyelids hiding blue rubies.

I took a deep breath in and rolled onto my side, shutting my eyes for more sleep. Warm arms wrapped around my shoulders. "Morning, beautiful,"

I laughed and opened my eyes, William's face right next to mine. I pecked his cheek. "I wouldn't go that far,"

William rolled on his back, pulling me on his hips. "I don't know, you were pretty beautiful last night."

"Shh." I put my finger to his lips. "I need to shower," I started to stand, but William grabbed my hand.

"I'll come with," he mumbled.

I laughed a little. "If you come with, I doubt we'll actually shower,"

William shrugged, standing. "A compromise I'm willing to make." He kissed me again and I gave in.

"Fine." I pulled him into the bathroom, turning on the water.

. . .
Breakfast was brought to us. I still barely ate, unsure of how the food of Wonderland would affect me.

After the meal, I needed to get dressed. I pulled on striped stockings and a blue dress. I pulled my hair up into a pony tail and slipped on black slippers. William begged that I stayed, but I needed to speak with the Queen.

. . .
"I noticed you didn't sleep in your own room last night. I thought that maybe you were with the servant, but no, you were with my son,"

"You knew?"

"I know everything that goes in in my castle. Just be glad I decided not to go through closed doors. I assume you'd like to talk about our agreement?"

I nodded. "Yes. Cory told me that the Mortal world doesn't continue while I'm away, correct? So, I thought that I could possible stay here a bit longer."

The Queen smiled. "I thought you might think that."

"But, if I stay, I want Cory to be set free. Not a servant anymore. If he wishes to stay in the castle, so be it, let him stay, as a guest. If he wishes to leave, let him."

"I don't know if I can do that. He's been such a great servant."

"He's my friend. Let him go."

"I'll think about it, okay?" She looked at me and her face crumpled. "Don't make that face at me. It's not very lady-like. And I really enjoy you as a daughter-in-law."

"Then let my friend go."

She gave a small smile. "Okay."

"Thank you."

. . .
I wondered down the halls of the castle, trying to find no room in particular. I wanted to say goodbye to Cory before he left, but I didn't think I'd get the chance.

I stumbled upon my room. I found my backpack and, sitting in the side pocket, was a small necklace. Under it was a note.

I don't have much time. Thank you for being so kind, I haven't had a friend in such a long time. I hope you enjoy whatever relationship you get with William, he's a lucky guy. Keep this, and remember me.

Cory

I put on the necklace, a simple rectangular box with a small white rabbit in the center. I stood up and left the room.

. . .
Sitting at dinner that night, I almost expected to see Cory. When I didn't, my heart dropped. I thought he'd stay around, not leave.

William stood up and left without any explanation to where he went.

A few minutes later, an ear splitting scream rang out. Whoever was making it, sounded like they were in serious pain. The scream died out and the conversation at the table went on like nothing happened.

I was on edge now, wondering where the scream came from. Before I had much time to question it, another scream rang out, this one more broken than the last, but louder. A snap sounded through the air, followed by another howl.

"AAEEEEERRRRRrrrr..."

I stood up, the scream almost talking.

"AERO!"

My name.

William charged into the room, his face paler than usual. "It's Corinth. He got out. The wolves are chasing him,"

I started to run before I fully registered what had happened. I ran to the front doors of the castle.

I flung open the huge doors and peered into the darkness.

"AERO!"

I saw a small figure running, barks and howls sounding behind it. The figure tripped and the hounds were on top of it. It screamed out in horrible pain as the wolves tore apart its flesh.

William appeared behind me. "I'm so sorry, Aero, I told him not to go out this late. But he wouldn't listen,"

I started to cry, a silent tear falling down my cheek.

Cory was dead.

Okay!

Blame Ian (my favorite internet friend) for the death of Cory.

Just wait.

The things I know.

Hehehehe...

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